MORE PUBLIC INPUT NEEDED FOR HIGHWAY LINK

Several proposals have been offered for consideration by MoDOT for a possible new highway linking Cape and Jackson.

This plan -- which presently has nine alternatives being studied -- is designed to relieve increasing traffic congestion between the two growing cities.

While the proposed routes all differ, the end result would be to link the intersection of Highways 34/72 and the area of Route K and Highway 74 in some fashion. In my opinion several of the alternatives being studied have merit but all are going to require more study by Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Cape County.

More time is also needed for us to receive public input on how these proposals would effect existing business, subdivisions, farms and the public in general.

MoDOT has provided us with a starting point in which we can move forward toward a plan that will be in the best interest of Cape County and the surrounding area. Look for more information and new ideas on this issue in the months to come. MoDOT says the very earliest any construction could begin would be in 2002.

While the talk these days seems to center around the a proposed Highway 34/72-Route K, Highway 74 link we don't want our East Main St.. extension and new I-55 interchange proposal to get lost in the shuffle. We hope to complete phase one (Shawnee Street to Oak Hill Road) this year. Phase two from Oak Hill Road to I-55 could be completed as soon as approval is given and funding obtained for the interchange from the Missouri Highway Commission.

We will be meeting with the commission again sometime this fall to plead our case for this important project for the improvement of traffic flow and the continued orderly growth of Jackson.

My thanks goes to MoDOT and District Engineer Scott Meyer for coming through on our request for left turn arrows moving East-West at the intersection of East Jackson Boulevard and Donna Drive This improvement adds safety to what has been a somewhat dangerous intersection.

--Clean up week underway

The semi-annual fix/up clean up week is underway in Jackson. During this week's normal refuse pickup residents can put out those hard to get rid of items. We hope everyone takes advantage of this popular, twice-a-year service to our citizens and in doing so help keep Jackson beautiful.

I would like to remind everyone that access channel 5 is now available for Jackson organizations and residents to use. This service is provided by the City of Jackson through an agreement with the City of Cape. Application forms and rules concerning placement of a public service announcement are available at City Hall and the Jackson Chamber office.

The area Optimist Clubs once again sponsored a very successful Youth in Government Day. The student officials learned about how local government works and had some fun at the same time. The City of Jackson is very proud to be associated with Youth in Government Day and thank the area Optimist Clubs for being a "Friend of Youth".

The Council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

Paul Sander is mayor for the city of Jackson.