Cape Girardeau proposes to spend $75.5 million on capital improvements over the next five years, with $40.6 million being spent in the first year.
City staff unveiled a draft of the latest version of the capital improvements program during a City Council study session Monday.
The program is updated annually and lists projects planned over a five-year period.
A public hearing on the program likely will be scheduled for March 1.
Under the City Charter, the council must adopt a finalized version of the program by April 1.
Except for projects already funded through voter-approved bond issues, most projects are still subject to allocation of funds under the annual budget process.
Projects under the program are divided into four major areas:
-- Transportation and public works. This category includes construction and improvement of city streets and improvement of Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and Public Works Department facilities.
-- Environment. These projects provide for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of physical resources, including, solid waste, water, wastewater and stormwater services.
-- Parks and recreation. This includes improvements to city parks, athletic fields and other recreation facilities.
-- Community development. This category covers construction of general public facilities and other community projects.
Environment is the largest area of expenditures, nearly $42 million.
Major projects include $8.75 million in continuing sewer improvements authorized by voters in 1994; $40 million for expansion of the water system approved by voters in 1996; and $2.28 million for completion of the Walker Branch flood-control project.
Transportation and public works garner the second largest amount of funds for a total of $24.34 million. Expenditures are proposed to be $16.5 million for street and bridge projects, $4 million for airport projects and $3.83 million for public works improvements.
Community development, which includes improvements to the city fire and police stations and remodeling at City Hall, will get a proposed $8.39 million.
Parks and recreation gets the smallest amount of funding, $737,950. Currently included in the program are five small improvement projects, general park development, and continued payments for previous land acquisition at Shawnee Park and Osage Park, and construction of a new pro shop at the Municipal Golf Course.
The projected funding breakdown for fiscal year 1999-2000 is $28.64 million for environment, $10.96 million for transportation and public works, $584,000 for community development and $417,000 for parks and recreation.
The overall, five-year program includes only projects for which funds are expected to be available during that period.
A list of unfunded needs is identified for inclusion on future versions of the Program as revenue becomes available.
Proposed funding
Five-year proposal for capital improvements funding by categories:
Environment -- $42 million
Transportation and public works -- $24.34 million
Community development -- $8.39 million
Parks and recreation -- $737,950
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