CITY STREET FUNDING GETS BOOST

When Cape Girardeau voters approved a half-cent sales tax last August to pay for street improvements, there was a good deal of optimism that the priority list of some $17 million in projects could be achieved before the tax expired at the end of the year 2000.

During the first quarter of this year, the tax generated more revenue than anticipated. This is good news on two counts: First, the flow of revenue will allow the city to move along at a quick pace on the planned project, and second, the sales-tax revenue indicated a strong retail economy in the city.

Paving of gravel streets and major improvements to the city's most heavily used streets are at the top of the priority list. Thanks to the sales tax, those projects are being pursued vigorously.