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There is reason for excitement in both Cape Girardeau and Sikeston after the recent endorsements of an infrastructure project by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce.

It's been long reported that Cape Girardeau has been pushing for an east-west interstate while Sikeston has pushed for a bridge across the Mississippi to the east. The competing ideas, both involving a proposed transcontinental Interstate 66, have had little traction.

The project recently endorsed by the two chambers would create a highway connecting Interstate 24 and Interstate 55 using the existing bridges at Metropolis and Cape Girardeau. The route would intersect with Interstate 57. Both Cape Girardeau and Sikeston see benefits from this connection in the short run while continuing to push for their respective long-term projects.

Along with the chamber endorsements, the Sikeston City Council noted its support for upgrading Illinois Highway 3 to a four-lane highway as well as connecting Cairo and Metropolis with a four-lane highway.

Transportation is a key component to commerce. Both communities realize this and are moving forward for the benefit of their respective cities. A unified proposal of support for the plan is also important for Illinois interests.