It's great to dream, but even better to reach for those dreams with a plan -- especially something that can be as elusive as economic development of the Greater Yakima area.

The Yakima County Development Association had the dream and put up $75,000 for a study by Angelou Economics of Austin, Texas, to develop a plan to help guide economic development over the next five years. To achieve one of the most important recommendations of that plan, it cannot be overstated how vital it is to work with the owners of the former Boise Cascade mill to develop that property.

The mill's current owners, Melvin and Norman McDougal of Creswell, Ore., are working with the city of Yakima to seek a $25,000 grant to study the kinds of roads, utilities and other improvements that would be needed for proper redevelopment of the site. While there are no specific plans yet, the McDougals are leaning toward a mix of housing, shops and light industry.

The mill was a Yakima landmark for more than a century before it was closed in 2006. Now it represents an era that no longer exists, but offers tremendous potential.

Angelos Angelou, principal in the firm that conducted the study, correctly noted in Yakima last week that the 200-acre property could be a signature, modern gateway to Yakima. Along with the obvious economic benefits, the aesthetics of such a development would be key to enhancing the overall quality of life in the community.

Beyond that particular site, the new study, which updates one that led to some significant economic gains in the area, is a solid blueprint to build upon those successes. The completed study, released last week, includes strategies that should be followed to attract new industries -- focusing on logistics and distribution, high-value agriculture products, medical, industrial supplies and machinery, aerospace and business and professional services.

In seeking those goals, the idea is to provide new opportunities that help keep more of our young people in the community and produce more living-wage jobs.

It's an ambitious agenda, but one that can be accomplished. We had the dream, now we now have a plan. Ahead lies the hard work and cooperation of the public and private sectors to get it done.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins and Bill Lee.