Council to consider transportation project proposals

This year, the city of Cape Girardeau will ask voters to renew a tax that has funded roundabouts, lighted crosswalks and other transportation updates throughout the city.

The city will continue with the latest installment of the Transportation Trust Fund today, when the subcommittee responsible for prioritizing a list of projects presents its official list to the Cape Girardeau City Council.

Assistant city manager and director of development services Molly Hood said the committee met regularly from June to November, prioritizing projects using specific criteria, including the condition of infrastructure, safety, congestion relief, economic development and connectivity to major transportation corridors and employment destinations. The projects -- which are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis -- come from suggestions made by the public, council members and business and transportation officials.

Before the committee convened, Hood said it was given specific instruction by the council to guide its project selections.

"The council gave very clear directions to the TTF committee and to staff to shift direction from expanding the system to preserving the system," she said.

In the past TTFs, construction of roads, bridges and other transportation projects have been the focus. For the fifth installment, Hood said rehabilitating and reconstructing existing roadways and infrastructure was the goal.

Only one new roadway will be proposed among the eight or nine specific projects brought to the council by the committee. The list also will include a few general maintenance projects and possible alternative projects. These

alternates can either be substituted by the council for one on the prioritized list, completed with remaining funds after construction of the initial projects, or provide a starting point if the city pursues a 6th TTF installment.

Hood said the presentation also will include a discussion about whether the city should dedicate a larger portion of TTF money to pavement and maintenance management than it has in the past.

The first TTF was approved by voters in 1995 and has been renewed every five years since. With each renewal, the city offers the public a chance to provide input on the project list before the half-cent transportation tax is placed on the ballot. The next TTF installment will go before voters in August.

The TTF 5 presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. It will be part of a special study session, meaning no action will be taken by the council.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.