Sky, road traffic issues have Cape council's attention

Before the Cape Girardeau City Council begins voting today, it will discuss an unusual issue happening at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

Airport officials have become concerned about nearby rice fields. The combination of rice grains and standing water attracts large waterfowl such as ducks and geese, which pose risks to the animals and flying aircraft. Canada snow geese, common in Missouri, can grow as long as 2 feet from bill to tail and can travel in such large groups as to cause collisions with aircraft, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. A flock of Canada geese was named the culprit in the 2009 incident that forced pilot Chesley Sullenberger to bring a US Airways jet to a crash landing in a New York river, an event later dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson."

Local concern over the issue has increased in recent months because of plans to possibly increase the number of rice fields surrounding the airport.

While the council will discuss the issue, no official action will be taken.

The council will consider other transportation issues during the study session, including an agreement with Koehler Engineering and Land Surveying to conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Independence Street and Gordonville Road. The intersection is heavily traveled and sees significant congestion at certain times of day. The city hopes to improve the intersection to decrease motorist delays and improve pedestrian movements.

Funds for the $8,739 study were made available by the Federal Highway Administration through its Surface Transportation Program, coordinated through the Missouri Department of Transportation. It requires a 20 percent match from the city that will come from TTF4 funds.

Another intersection along Independence Street also will be considered by the council. If the ordinance is approved, it will establish no parking anytime along the northeast corner of the West End Boulevard and Independence Street intersection.

The suggestion was prompted by complaints about parked vehicles in the area blocking traffic on West End. Staff review of the intersection showed there was not sufficient space for parking and through travel in the area. The recommendation placed before the council would establish no parking on the east side of West End Boulevard a distance of 153 feet north of its intersection with Independence Street.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.