FIRST GRAVEL STREET PAVED UNDER NEW TAX

Brucher street residents are looking outside at finished asphalt instead of gravel today for the first time.

It is the first gravel street improved under the new Transportation Trust Fund, established with a half-cent sales tax passed in August 1995.

On Thursday, ASA Asphalt of Advance finished paving Brucher's entire length, which runs between Wayne and Bertling Street. Now only cleanup work remains. Bill Ogle, project inspector for the city of Cape Girardeau, said work should be completed by late next week.

The part of Brucher between Butler and Bertling has curbs and gutters along with the pavement.

"That's not because we like them better," Ogle said. "It's because that section of the street has to handle an incredible amount of drainage. Having the proper drainage is going to save the Public Works Department and the residents a lot of hassle."

Changes in Brucher also will save residents a lot of dusting, a common complaint on gravel roads.

Plans for the steep street were completed months ago, but wet weather prevented some of the preliminary drainage work. Days of warm, dry weather helped speed completion, Ogle said.

Now the city will turn its attention to three other gravel streets -- Magnolia, Dixie and Rand. At least eight others should be paved before the transportation tax expires Jan. 1, 2000.