CAPE GIRARDEAU ELIGIBLE FOR MORE FLOOD-RECOVERY FUNDS

Cape Girardeau is eligible for another installment of federal money for local flood-recovery efforts.

The Missouri Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) notified City Planner Kent Bratton that the city is able to apply for additional funds.

The city received $105,000 from the state's first allocation of flood-relief money. These federal funds, administered by the CDBG, are being used to demolish buildings damaged by the 1993 flood. The project, which is done on a voluntary basis, is nearing completion.

"Thirty million dollars of the $56.6 million received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been targeted for public facility projects," Bratton told the Cape Girardeau City Council Tuesday.

Under the CDBG program, applicants are eligible for 100 percent funding.

"But applications are competitive, and those providing local funds are always ranked higher," said Bratton. "The city's ability to contribute local funds is limited at this point primarily because of the current commitments to the three Economic Development Administration projects we've applied for."

City Councilman Tom Neumeyer asked Bratton which of the four flood projects would merit top priority.

Bratton recommended the city pursue a grant to expand the city's wastewater treatment plant to ensure a full emergency power supply.

"There has already been work done for a study on that, so it would make sense to try and get that project approved," he said.

Other projects being considered by the city:

-- An emergency power supply to water treatment plant No. 2.

-- Removal of excess fill along South Sprigg Street by Lone Star Inc. that was placed as a temporary levee during the flood to keep the street open.

-- Removal of silt from and stabilization of stream banks along the lower reach of Cape LaCroix Creek.

Bratton said the deadline to apply for the second allocation of flood-recovery funds is Aug. 1. The state also requires a public hearing on the city's flood-recovery needs. That meeting will be held July 15. The city staff also will prepare preliminary cost estimates on the projects.

"Based on the final input, the council can then elect whether or not to submit any applications," Bratton added.

In other action Tuesday, the council:

-- Voted to put a 5-percent cap on fee increases, with any increases above that submitted to a vote of the people.

-- Granted initial approval of a six-month extension for Boyd Gaming's special use permit for support facilities and parking for its planned riverboat casino. Michael Brady, Boyd Gaming's project manager, said: "We just need more time to respond to the Corps of Engineers and other agencies. This in no way slows down our plans to open a casino in Cape Girardeau the first week in April. We plan to begin construction in September."