LETTERS: PUT THE HORSE BEHIND THE CART ON BRIDGE PROJECT

To the editor:

As a citizen of Cape Girardeau, I certainly appreciate both the Camber of Commerce Beautification Committee's efforts with respect to the lights on the planned new Mississippi River bridge and this paper's thoughtful editorial dealing with planning for that possibility.

Foresight and planning are absolutely essential for organized development.

Again, however, I would urge the chamber committee, this paper and all of our elected officials not to lose sight of the fact that we still remain without a commitment from either Illinois or the federal government for the balance of the funds necessary to construct the bridge.

It is easy to conceive the well-lighted bridge. It would be a shame if the effort put forth in foresight falls for want of attention to present needs.

Before we worry about $400,000 to light a bridge, we should all pay attention to the acquisition of adequate federal funds or the commitment by Illinois of adequate state funds to permit a new bridge to be constructed.

Carts seldom move forward without horses in front of them.

JOHN J. OLIVER JR.

Cape Girardeau

John J. Oliver Jr. is a member of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.