CITY, UNIVERSITY TO CONSIDER PLACING INFORMATIONAL SIGNS

If Mary Miller has her way, motorists won't have to ask for directions to key places in Cape Girardeau.

They will just read trail signs to find their way to Southeast Missouri State University, the Show Me Center, city parks and the downtown.

"I am excited about it," said Miller, who directs city's convention and visitors bureau. She began planning for the project two years ago.

The 70 signs will bear logos for the various places.

Miller's office has received letters from visitors who complained they couldn't find places such as the university or the Show Me Center. The signs will make visitors feel welcome, she said.

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will discuss the project at its meeting Friday.

The plan calls for the university, downtown merchants, the parks department and the convention and visitors bureau to pay for the signs.

The downtown merchants group would pay for the downtown/riverfront signs and the university would pay for the signs directing visitors to its campus, explained Miller.

The university would have 19 directional or trail signs; the Show Me Center 20; the downtown historic district 18; and the city parks 9.

She said the university also has plans for additional signs along Interstate 55.

Smaller signs could be added to the main signs to show the way to places like the Glenn House.

The logos used on the signs also would be used in tourism brochures to help people get around town.

When the first signs will go up is uncertain, Miller said.

After the regents' meeting, the next step will be to get approval from state highway officials and the City Council.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Department has to give its permission before any directional signs can be erected along state routes, such as Kingshighway and William.

Board of Regents

Agenda

Friday, Aug. 25, 12:30 p.m.

University Center

Missouriana-Indian Room

Action

Approve $68.8 million operating budget request for fiscal 1997.

Award contract for engineering services for power plant renovation and electrical distribution upgrade project.

Confer degrees for summer commencement.

Discussion

Plan for directional signs

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