LAWSUIT IS RIVER CAMPUS HURDLE

A road block along the way to the realization of the River Campus is a lawsuit filed last week by Cape Girardeau businessman Jim Drury.

The legal challenge was not totally unexpected, but it was disappointing. Drury is seeking to block the use of motel and other city tax money for the River Campus project. In a separate letter to Missouri lawmakers, Drury called the project a waste of state tax money.

Voters disagreed. Last November, taxpayers approved an increase in the motel tax from 3 to 4 percent and an extension of both the motel and restaurant taxes to Dec. 31, 2030.

A second project to issue the bonds received a majority of votes but fell short of the 57 percent needed for passage.

The university found itself in an unusual position: It had the money to fund the project but no bonds to build it. Since then, the university has learned of a statewide program that could issue the bonds. Had they known about this option, the university would not have asked voters to approve a bond issue.

Ironically, the lawsuit could well mobilize public support for the River Campus. It certainly didn't deter Gov. Mel Carnahan. One day after hand delivery of Drury's letter, Carnahan added $4.6 million for the River Campus project into his budget proposal. The timing of the governor's action should send a potent message to lawmakers as well.

The lawsuit should be dealt with swiftly and decisively so that the River Campus project can move forward.