Cape County to seek grant for courthouse sidewalks

Cape Girardeau County commissioners are looking at the possibility of using federal grant funds to replace sidewalks in need of repair surrounding the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson.

First District Commissioner Paul Koeper proposed applying for a grant at Monday's commission meeting that would require a $12,500 match from the county.

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to seek the grant, but 2nd District Commissioner Jay Purcell questioned using the county's capital improvement funds for the project because he said the amount there has been bumped up recently only due to the refinancing of county jail bonds in October.

Purcell said decisions about how to use those funds should be looked at seriously because they are not a recurring revenue stream.

Koeper said replacing the existing sidewalks with concrete-only sidewalks would cost around $61,000.

Other action

The commission also:

* Approved a contract with AE Simpson Construction Inc. of Scott City for $57,391 for bridge replacement on County Road 274.

* Approved a contract with Chester Bross Construction of Hannibal, Mo., for $445,505 for a bridge project on County Road 634.

* Approved a request from the county collector to forward $22,129.05 land sale tax surplus to the county treasurer.

* Approved a six-month service agreement with The Rite Group for juvenile office copy machines.

eragan@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO