CITY P&Z COMMISSION TO RECOMMEND ROAD WORK UNDER TRUST FUND

Finding streets in Cape Girardeau that could be improved to ease traffic congestion isn't too difficult, but deciding which streets to repair and how to pay for it is a bit harder.

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission met Wednesday night for an hourlong study session to talk again about its list of 10 possible projects, estimated costs and revenue that could be part of a Transportation Trust Fund extension.

The commission is expected to finalize its list by March 22.

An extension of the existing one-half percent sales tax would need voter approval. The measure likely would be placed on the August primary ballot, but the list of projects and length of tax collections must first be approved by the City Council.

The Council has to approve an August ballot issue by May 30. The existing Transportation Trust Fund tax was approved in 1995 and expires this year.

Winnowing the list of future projects takes thought because it involves looking at the entire city and where growth is occurring as well as where it is expected. The city has received letters from the Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Missouri State University about potential street projects that they would like to see funded, said Charles Haubold, commission chairman.

Most of those projects are slated for funding either through the current work or through an extension, he said.

Narrowing the wish lists has been difficult for the commission. "We've been addressing the lists and tried to answer their requests on projects," Haubold said. "I can't say everyone will be 100 percent happy. Maybe we got 90 percent or 95 or maybe just 75."

The list isn't finished. It likely will change as city officials get input from residents.

Public meetings are planned in April, said Kent Bratton, city planner.

"We have to take those comments about what they want and try to satisfy them," said commission member Tom Mogelnicki.

As well as looking at what projects need to be completed, the city must make certain it has the funds to pay for the work. Revenue generated from a five-year tax extension could be about $20 million. The money is collected and projects begun as funds are available.

Haubold said the commission must think about rising costs for asphalt or fuel during the length of the projects. As more contractors get busy and projects increase, bids and prices will go up, he said.

"So you've got to have a contingency," he said, explaining about 16 percent of the money should be set aside for contingencies.

The current fund's contingency money helped ease costs for later projects when bids increased or costs rose.

"That money has dissipated across the other projects," said Hugh White, a commission member.

The city will break ground Thursday on its latest Transportation Trust Fund project -- an extension of Mount Auburn Road from Highway 74 to Bloomfield Road. The ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at the south end of the extension where it connects to Highway 74. Work should be finished by August.