Nell Holcomb area passes $550,000 bond issue

JACKSON, Mo. -- Voters in the Nell Holcomb area approved a $550,000 revenue bond issue on Tuesday to help fund construction of a rural water system.

The measure passed 122 to 85.

"Now we can proceed," said Judy Foeste, president of the board of directors of Cape Girardeau County Water Supply District No. 5. "This just gives the district the authority to borrow the money."

Foeste said construction of a water system could start by next spring. The system could be up and running within the next two years.

In approving the bonds, voters authorized the board of directors of the new district to establish fees that water users will pay. Water customers could see monthly bills of $35 to $40. There also would be a hookup fee of $350 or higher.

The project is expected to cost close to $2 million. The revenue bonds are critical to obtaining grants and possibly loans to provide the rest of the funding, board members said.

Voters established the water district last November.

The district extends from the south entrance of Trail of Tears State Park to the Rolling Hills subdivision along Highway 177 just north of the city of Cape Girardeau. It also runs from the Burlington Northern railroad tracks along the Mississippi River on the east to almost Route Y on the west.

The area is home to an estimated 2,500 residents.