Cape residents weigh in on proposed transportation projects

Residents of Cape Girardeau were given the first opportunity Monday evening to weigh in on projects to be funded by the next installment of the Transportation Trust Fund.

The half-cent, pay-as-you-go sales tax dedicated to transportation projects reaches its five-year sunset this year. Voters will be asked to renew TTF for the fifth time in August.

Typical meeting formats usually include presentations or question and answer sessions, but city staffers went for a "put your money where your mouth is" approach Monday night. Upon walking into the council chambers at city hall, people were handed an envelope with $20 million in "Cape Cash." Boxes to insert the cash sat in front of informational posters giving details about each of the eight proposed projects, as well as general repair projects. The combined cost of each project exceeded $20 million.

The corner for concrete and asphalt street repair seemed to grab the attention of a few Cape Cash spenders, including Dave LaRose. He's lived in Cape Girardeau for more than 40 years.

"Because of the holes I've been driving over for two years is why I'm here tonight," he said. All of his money was spent on street repairs.

Cape Girardeau residents were given play money to spend on proposed Transportation Trust Fund Projects before the city council meeting Monday. (Laura Simon)

He noted particular problems with road conditions along Sherwood Drive, and said over the summer, some patching was done over certain areas, but other damaged sections went unrepaired. LaRose said he understood it wasn't possible to fix every hole, but he supports focusing funds on repair and maintenance before new infrastructure is considered.

Public works director Tim Gramling said many of the questions he heard Monday night centered around repairs. He also heard questions from people such as LaRose who wondered which projects were for new roads versus maintenance of existing infrastructure.

A committee formed to review project options for TTF 5 and present a list to the city focused on maintenance. Its recommended list includes repairing and widening streets such as Independence Street, West End Boulevard and Sprigg Street. The only project calling for a "new" road would build an additional 36 feet of concrete to extend Fountain Street from William Street to Independence Street. The estimated cost is $1 million.

The suggested list has not been formally approved or finalized, pending public input. Like many city staffers, Gramling was a big supporter of the Cape Cash plan because it allowed more direct input from the public about the projects they most supported.

LaRose also liked the interactive experience.

"I think it's a great way for a person to share how they feel," he said. "It's something that's more than words."

The envelopes presented to attendees at the front door contained more than fake money. They also featured an "Armstrong voucher." The extension of Armstrong Drive is a project remaining from TTF 3 that never was completed because of high right of way costs. Part of the proposed route included land that is part of a Century Farm -- a farm recognized by the state as belonging to the same family for 100 years or more. Such farms are protected by state law; the city must come to an agreement with owners on right of way acquisition.

City officials have expressed little interest in pursuing the project, and the committee that reviewed and suggested the TTF 5 projects agreed. Assistant city manager Molly Hood said the city wants to hear public opinions on the issue before deciding whether to move on. If people drop their voucher in the box showing their approval of continuing the project, the city will take another look at the best way to proceed, she said. Those who didn't support the project could cash the voucher in for $3 million -- the approximate cost of the Armstrong Drive project -- to spend on other TTF 5 projects.

The next TTF 5 public meeting will be March 3 and will follow the same format. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway St.

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401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

1625 N. Kingshighway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.