LaSalle Avenue moving forward

With two unanimous votes, Cape Girardeau City Council members took a big step toward making LaSalle Avenue a reality.

The road will connect drivers to Interstate 55's new Exit 102, just as East Main Street does on Jackson's side of the freeway.

At Monday's meeting, the city council accepted final easements from residents on property needed to construct LaSalle Avenue. The road will be built with money from the third phase of the city's transportation trust fund. The initial road will be two lanes, but enough property was acquired to eventually construct a four-lane road.

The council members also approved an amendment to the city's agreement with the company designing LaSalle Avenue, S.H. Smith & Co., Inc.

A second road, which will parallel I-55 and move traffic from LaSalle Avenue south into Cape Girardeau, also got a boost when the council approved an agreement with MoDOT that will provide up to $1.1. million in funding to build the Lewis and Clark Parkway. Already, $1.2 million in federal funds have been dedicated to the project. The city will pay $276,130 in funds to match MoDOT's grant, as well as any costs above the estimated total construction cost, $2.5 million.

The board also approved a $20,000 payment to the Cape County Transit Authority.

The council unanimously agreed to lease space at 100 Broadway, the former convention and visitors bureau building, to Red Letter Communications for six months at $800 a month. Mayor Jay Knudtson said the agreement reflects the success of Red Letter and will help keep the company in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Mike Sheehan, representing the city's Historic Preservation Commission, invited council members and the public to the commission's meeting at 7 p.m. April 16 as well as a 5 p.m. May 9 walking tour of the city to celebrate National Historic Preservation month.

The evening marked the final meeting for Matt Hopkins, Ward 5 councilman for eight years. Mayor Jay Knudtson presented him with plaque and congratulated him on his service.

Hopkins told the board he was proud that the city added more land in his eight years on council than it had in the previous 40.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127

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