The economy is slow, but not stagnant

These days, every positive development is worth celebrating, and Carson City has a handful.

The newest among them is the sale of the old downtown hospital to a Texas company that intends to use it for long-term medical care, a perfect compliment to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, and a need in the community. The medical services planned for the site, in addition to those already there, should add a new vitality to that part of town.

Speaking of much needed developments, the recent opening of the Marriott brought 100 quality rooms to the city.

And the celebration will be justified when Bodine's opens on the city's southern border in mid-May (adding about 100 jobs to the economy). The owners also gave $1 million for much-needed improvements to Fuji Park.

Other casinos around town are adding on or improving, including the Silver Dollar and the Horseshoe Club.

And what's ahead?

Well, housing developments may be on hold, but the complexion of Carson City's gaming industry will continue to change. The owners of the Ormsby House are on record with their plans to open next year, adding 135 rooms. Another hotel-casino development, Sierra Gold, is slated to begin construction next year on a facility that will add conference space.

Will any of these projects solve the city's financial difficulties? No ... that will only come with an improvement to the economy as a whole. But for being in the midst of one of the most severe downturns in years, there's a lot happening in the capital city.

• This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board.