NASH ROAD EXTENSION DISCUSSED

Plans were discussed Thursday to raise funds to acquire right of way to expand Nash Road west to intersect with Highway 25 at Blomeyer during a special meeting at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce office.

Dan Overbey, Southeast Missouri Regional Port director Dan Overbey and Cape Girardeau County commissioner Larry Bock explained what is being sought to a group of about 20 people, explaining that the four-mile extension, from the BioKyowa facility west to Blomeyer would alleviate heavy truck traffic to the port and industries along Nash Road.

Members of the county's Industrial Development Authority, Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority, Greater Cape Girardeau Area Benevolent Association and Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association were invited to the meeting. D. Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association, was host.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has indicated it will take an interest in the road proposal if right of way can be obtained by local officials.

"Nothing was determined Thursday, but we wanted these groups to think about the proposal," said Robinson.

About $150,000 to $200,000 for right-of-way acquisition will be needed.