NASH ROAD EXTENSION AWAITS THE STATE'S NEXT MOVE

SCOTT CITY - Progress toward extending Nash Road into the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority is about as far as it can get until the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission begins prioritizing projects identified on the 15-year needs study.

Freeman McCullough, District 10 engineer for the highway department, said the commission is expected to set priorities at its November or December meeting for those projects.

Since the Nash Road extension is on the list, a high priority ranking by the commission will enable the department to proceed with final design and letting the project for bids.

"We are proceeding on the basis of getting this out of the shoot as quickly as possible," said McCullough, who is optimistic it can be under contract next spring and completed in 1994.

"We would liked to have been under contract this fall, but we really don't lose much toward the overall completion of the program by waiting until next spring," said McCullough. "The main thing is, we're going to do it."

Allan Maki, executive director of the SEMO Port Authority, said he is certain the road will be built and stressed he is doing everything possible to speed up the process.

"We stand having done everything we said we were going to do," said Maki. "We feel the ball is in their court for the state to take the next step. The next step is official project designation, design and build."

He added, "We are confident Nash Road will be built, the only question is when."

Extending Nash Road approximately four miles into the port is considered essential to the overall development of the port authority and in helping it reach its economic potential.

Having a direct route into the port will provide quick access to Interstate 55. Combined with the rail spur now under construction, it will give the SEMO Port the kind of intermodal transportation network now considered essential to efficient transporting of goods to foreign and domestic markets.

Maki noted that the port has purchased all right of way that is needed at this point, has helped with some survey work and has completed all environmental and cultural studies required by a half-dozen state and federal agencies.

Another step that is required before the highway department can proceed with the project is a public hearing. Since the department cannot hold a hearing until the commission takes action, McCullough said the port authority plans to conduct the hearing this fall.

"Allan Maki and his people at the port have completed a lot of work to put us in position, as soon as the commission approves the program and gives this priority, that we can respond as quickly as possible toward letting a contract," explained McCullough.

Maki said the port considered the road to be a top priority and will do whatever is necessary to expedite the project.

"Some existing tenants have indicated once Nash Road is in they will expand their facilities," said Maki. "We also have some other industries who need Nash Road done in order to locate at the port."

Not only will the new road improve access to the port but it also has safety considerations, according to Maki.

Currently, the only road access to the port is off Route N, and trucks have to travel through Main Street in Scott City to get to and from the port authority.