The news of the recent week has been upsetting to say the least. We reported the tragic death of a man simply doing his job in addition to others about robberies and wanted suspects.

But, the press conference in Norfolk Friday offered a shimmer of promise in a news week far too overshadowed by violence.

The announcement that Suffolk and Isle of Wight would be purchasing water from Norfolk in the coming years to meet the demands of a growing population showed the future for our city is exceedingly bright.

Not only does the planning on the part of our city leaders show that growth is hoped for, but also the decisions they are making show that growth is expected.

When the rest of the country is talking of downsizing — or at the very best maintaining — it is refreshing to hear discussions of growth and promise.

The terms of the agreement, which will be signed in the coming weeks, will provide the Western Tidewater Water Authority — consisting of Isle of Wight and Suffolk — to purchase up to 15 million gallons per day from Norfolk.

Currently, Suffolk consumes up to 7.5 million gallons of water per day.

And while the growth is exciting, it does come with growing pains. One of which is the provision of quality drinking water, and the volume to meet a growing population.

The decision will have its critics and will have its drawbacks. The costs will at times appear monumental, but the price of not having a stable system would be even more costly.

Today, we applaud this agreement, not for the details of the contract, but for the foresight of our leaders to know this agreement was needed.