Roads panel to meet in Cape

All roads don't go through Cape Girardeau, but getting the Missouri State Highways and Transportation Commission to meet here certainly helps bring attention to local transportation needs, says John Mehner, local Chamber of Commerce president.

The state commission will meet Friday in the Show Me Center meeting rooms.

"I think it is important for them to get to different parts of the state," Mehner said.

Many of the commissioners plan to arrive Thursday. The commissioners plans to tour the Southeast Missouri Regional Port near Scott City, Mo., and visit the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge under construction in Cape Girardeau on Thursday, Mehner said.

Mehner is to speak to the commission on Friday, but his remarks will be more of a welcome than an effort to lobby for local road projects.

Duane Michie, highway commissioner from Hayti, Mo., said the commission meets outside Jefferson City three to four times a year.

The Cape Girardeau Chamber and Southeast Missouri State University extended the local invitation.

The commission has several action items on its agenda, including awarding contracts for Interstate improvements in Ste. Genevieve County and interchange work at Route EE in New Madrid County.