ROAD CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES IN JACKSON

The new bridge over Hubble Creek on Washington St., has been completed and is open for traffic. The new bridge on Old Cape Road is well under construction and weather permitting should be completed by the end of November.

A third major transportation improvement, phase one of the East Main Street extension is scheduled to begin any day now. Again, weather will play a part in the progress of this street extension but we hope this project can be completed by late Spring of 1999.

This phase of the East Main Street extension will run from Shawnee Street to Oak Hill Road. Phase two of the extension, which will run to I-55, will be scheduled for construction when an agreement is reached with MoDot for the construction of a new interchange at I-55.

The cost of the three transportation improvements in progress is $1.5 million.

The Cities of Jackson, Cape Girardeau and the Cape County Commission recently passed a resolution re-affirming our support of three highway improvements for Cape County.

The East Main Street interchange, upgrading center junction at I-55 and Highway 61, and a Highway 74 by-pass to Route K. These projects have been supported by Jackson, Cape and Cape County for several years.

However, the City of Jackson is not opposed to an upgrade of Highway 72 W to improve traffic flow and safety through Jackson. In fact we feel very strongly that improvements need to be implemented soon. This proposed highway improvement is part of an overall plan presented by MoDot.

This same plan gave the three projects listed by resolution a lower priority than we can support. The City of Jackson feels in order to continue to be progressive and meet the transportation needs of Jackson we need all these projects to be scheduled for funding and construction.

Cape County is growing faster than any county in southern Missouri. We feel because of our residential, commercial, and industrial growth that we can justify a high priority for all these projects and others that have not been mentioned.

We will continue to work with MoDot in a cooperative manner. In recent meetings MoDot has shown an interest in working with us in addressing a package of improvements for our growing City and Cape County. Hopefully, a plan we can support will be brought forward soon.

Remember, it is the overall plan that is in question. We feel Jackson and Cape County deserve more than only a Highway 72 W upgrade in the immediate future. Stay tuned!

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10 to review, discuss and solicit public comments relative to the City of Jackson's new comprehensive plan. The meeting will be held at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. The proposed new comprehensive plan which is nearing completion will play a key role in the future development of Jackson. Your input is welcome at this public hearing.

It was a pleasure to attend the annual Jackson Industrial Development Company banquet a few days ago. It is an exciting time in Jackson as we see existing industry expand and new industry locate in and around our city. The development of a new industrial tract on Highway 61 North, our existing tract on Rt. PP and other possible industry friendly tracts make it very likely that we will continue to enjoy a strong industrial climate for years to come. My thanks goes out to all our local industries for everything you do to make our community a better place to live and work.

Jackson was very proud, along with Cape and Cape County, to receive the annual Regional Commerce and Growth Association (RCGA) Spirit Award. This award is given to a person or group that has contributed to the progress of the region and has made a difference in the qualify of life for the citizens of the region.

Jackson, Cape and Cape County were cited for their cooperation with each other on issues that effect the entire area. Jackson is proud to be a part of that continued cooperation.

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

Paul Sander is the mayor of Jackson