Road work discussed to prepare for tax

A Cape Girardeau city committee wants city staff to consider a new outer road in a list of proposed street projects that would be funded if voters next year extend the half-cent transportation sales tax for another five years.

The current tax is set to expire at the end of next year.

"I think we've got to start looking at an outer belt," said Skip Smallwood, chairman of the planning and zoning commission and a member of a P and Z committee that is working with city staff to determine what transportation projects are needed.

Harry Rediger, who chairs the transportation trust fund committee, said he'd like to see the city construct at least a small section of an outer road west of Interstate 55 as part of the new five-year plan.

Committee members, meeting at city hall Thursday, said they hope to present a final plan to the whole planning and zoning commission by November. After that, it would go to the city council which would have the final say.

City officials plan to seek voter approval of the tax extension next August.

City manager Doug Leslie said the road plan needs to be presented to the city council by early next year so the council can have time to review it and make any changes before putting the issue on the ballot.

City planner Kent Bratton estimated that a sales tax extension would generate $19 million over five years.

Committee members said $2.85 million of that money needs to be set aside for contingencies. As a result, some projects will have to be scaled back or delayed, they said.

Committee members suggested a project to improve a section of New Madrid Street be taken off the priority list and added to a short list of alternate projects that could be funded if revenue becomes available.

That project involves reconstruction of New Madrid Street from Perry Avenue to Clark Street.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123