Meetings scheduled to gather feedback about proposed tax projects

On Thursday, the public will have an opportunity to provide input on facility ideas designed to boost tourism in the Cape Girardeau area.

A Facility Feasibility Study Committee, which consists of members appointed by the Cape Girardeau City Council, has since April been studying four options: an indoor sports complex, agriculture exposition center, indoor aquatics facility or a combined hotel and convention center.

The group was formed as part of an agreement between city leaders and executives of Midamerica Hotels to determine the best use of revenue generated from the 4 percent tax charged on hotel stays and the 1 percent tax on restaurant meals. The taxes, which have historically been used to fund projects that promote tourism, most recently went toward the construction of the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus.

Also part of the agreement is a facility feasibility and economic impact study that must be conducted before a decision is made. The group already has met with professional consultants to discuss the pros and cons of each facility and met with key stakeholders in the area.

Nine one-hour meetings will be held throughout the day Thursday at the Osage Centre as part of the public comment period for three of the four facility ideas. Local groups actively involved in sports, aquatics and agriculture also will attend the designated meetings.

A separate public comment period will be hosted at a later date for the hotel/convention center.

Staff members from the city's Parks and Recreation Department, who have been actively involved in prior committee meetings to answer questions about the city's existing recreational facilities, will host the meetings, along with consultants from Planning Design Studio.

The meetings held in the morning and late afternoon will focus on specific facilities, while those held in the midafternoon are open attendance. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to contact Stacey Welter, administrative coordinator with the parks and recreation department, at 339-6340.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.