Flood plain at site of future business park viewed as asset

Cape Girardeau city officials say the 5 acres of flood plain in the nearly 135 acres of land purchased to be used for a business park could be turned into an asset instead of a liability.

Flooding concerns led to the halt of development at a 480-acre industrial park along Nash Road when companies hesitated to locate there after the Mississippi River floods in 1993 and 1995.

City manager Scott Meyer said the city was aware of the flood plain area of the newly-purchased property before buying it and actually considers it an "asset."

"We've spoken with [the Department of Natural Resources] and the conservation department about opportunities to enhance the area," he said.

The flood plain area lies along the eastern edge of the property -- which was bought for $6 million from the Southeast Missouri University Foundation in December -- and is near Williams Creek. City engineer Casey Brunke said the city wanted to make the area an "amenity rather than an obstacle."

"We know we can't put a building in the floodplain area," she said. "But we're thinking we could maybe designate that as a green space, with maybe some sidewalks or a walking trail that could be used by folks in the business park. It really is a beautiful area and we want to preserve it if we can."

Preliminary work for installation of sewer and water lines has begun at the park, and Brunke said it is possible some of those lines will have to be run through the floodplain to connect businesses to city services, although she doesn't anticipate any problems as a result.

"There are water and sanitary lines in the flood plain across the city, running parallel to creeks and streams," she said. "And nothing is final as far as designs go, so they could possibly miss the area entirely. But if we did run lines through there, we would have to make sure any manholes are watertight to keep out any flood or stormwater, and take other small precautions like that."

A portion of Veterans Memorial Drive, a road that, once completed, will improve connection between the park and U.S. 61, also crosses the edge of the flood plain. Brunke said the road was designed before she became city engineer, and said she believes the road was designed to avoid the area and possible flooding.

Meyer said the creek, which splits off into "branches," is dry most of the time.

He also said the city was working closely with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and listening to their input as it plans around the area. Brunke said the city's biggest concern about the flood plain is making sure none of the developments have any "adverse impact" on the area.

"We don't want to make the area smaller or impede the flood plain in any way," she said.

For now, the city's focus is on finding tenants. According to Meyer, the city is reaching out to a few businesses to possibly settle in the business park, although no official announcements are yet being made.

"I think once we get the water and sewer going and find our first few tenants it will really build up the momentum out at the park," he said.

The city still is awaiting news from the state about a community development block grant, which would provide funding for infrastructure needs, and Meyer said the flood plain area would have no effect on whether the city receives the grant.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

LaSalle Avenue and Interstate 55, Cape Girardeau, Mo.