Cairo's potential

It will take a long time to turn around the fortunes of Cairo, Ill. But dreams can't come true unless someone does the dreaming. And that's exactly what's happening right now.

Cairo is being considered as the location for biodiesel and coal-gasification plants, both of which would provide a huge economic boost.

An old tollhouse at the Ohio River bridge to Wycliffe, Ky., is being turned into a museum of the town's Civil War and transportation history.

The First Christian Church with its valuable stained-glass windows has been purchased by a Carbondale, Ill., businessman to save it from being razed.

The Cairo 20/20 organization and urban-design students from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale are drawing up revitalization plans for the historic city.

The old Custom House, Stafford Memorial Library, Magnolia Manor and Riverlore are among the historic buildings that currently draw visitors to Cairo.

All of these efforts present challenges that will test the best intentions of those who are involved. But they also present tremendous opportunities. With support, guidance and perseverance, Cairo may yet find a silver lining in the clouds that have settled in over the city.