Scott City bridge project seeks funding alternative

The future of Scott City's Ramsey Creek Bridge project is even more dependent on federal funds through the Missouri Department of Transportation now that a $200,000 grant request with the Delta Regional Authority was declined.

The Delta Regional Authority is a joint federal and state agency that financially assists 240 counties within eight states along the Mississippi River Valley.

City manager Ron Eskew received notice about the grant Thursday.

The Ramsey Creek Bridge project, at an estimated cost of $3 million, would provide another connection between Scott City and Interstate 55.

The denial does not mean the end of the proposed project, just that the additional money is going to have to be found elsewhere, Eskew said.

"We're still working with Sen. Bond's office for appropriations in the budget through MoDOT funds," he said. "We've submitted a proposal about the bridge to Sen. Bond's office, we've been approaching him to help us with funding for the bridge."

Scott City's current access to I-55 is at an intersection near on and off ramps for U.S. 61 and routes K and M, causing confusion and traffic back-ups.

In 2001 an extra left-turn lane was added from southbound I-55 into Scott City, but problems with the intersection persist.

If completed, the Ramsey Creek Bridge project would connect Ramsey Street to the East Outer Road on the north side of the creek via a bridge. I-55 would then be accessible through Route AB.

Construction is on hold, however, until the money is available, and even then work would likely not begin until 2006.

"We just haven't gotten any confirmation," Eskew said. "We're thinking by July 1 we should know. We've done everything we can up to this point. It is hinging upon the Department of Transportation budget for this year."

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182