Many Limestone Countians were beyond disappointed Tuesday by the news that Volkswagen will build its new plant in Chattanooga. A few who called The News Courier were downright angry.

Many had been betting their financial futures on a $1 billion plant that would bring 2,000 jobs and countless tax dollars to the area.

The reaction is understandable, especially with the closure of Delphi looming in the spring. But local and state leaders still are optimistic that Limestone County soon will be home to a major industry.

Gov. Bob Riley said the deal came down to cash: The $385 million incentive package was not enough for the German automaker to build its new U.S. plant in Limestone County.

“There comes a point in an auction where you don’t want to be the one with your hand in the air,” Riley said in an Associated Press story Thursday. “We hit that point.”

Riley said the deal was the most Alabama ever offered to lure an auto plant.

Tennessee has not released details of its offer.

But, thanks to the deal-making and preparations, Limestone County finds itself at the front of the line, a top prospect for large industries, automakers in particular.

With two prepared sites — the Tennessee Valley Authority mega site off Interstate 65 and the Huntsville-annexed site near Greenbrier Road — an industry could choose to locate here in the near future.

In addition, the Robotics Training Center at Calhoun Community College, expected to be the only one of its kind in the world, will be a draw for industries of all types.

Also, thanks to action by the legislature, an incentives package would be readily available for any interested industry.

And lastly but most importantly, the VW plant will need suppliers and auxiliary companies, some of which will likely choose to come to Limestone County.

Those who so counted on VW choosing Limestone should keep the faith. This is a great place to live and a great place to build things — cars, industries, futures.

And the welcome mat is already out.