River access

After decades of a shotgun divorce made necessary by floods and enforced by a 4,000-foot-long floodwall ranging in height from 6 to 16 feet, Cape Girardeau and the Mississippi River have made up in recent years. The Mississippi River Tales mural on the floodwall has been responsible for bringing many more people downtown to connect with the river. The grandeur of the new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge is another reason to look eastward.

One of the most important of the city's ties to the river is the Red Star access boat ramp just north of the downtown area. Red Star is the only river access in the city for boaters and fishermen.

Beginning in December, the Missouri Department of Conservation plans to replace the narrow boat ramp and make other improvements. The new 36-foot-wide ramp will enable two boats to launch at the same time. Improvements planned include a new bathroom and a paved parking lot.

The down side of the plan is that Red Star will afford no access to the river during the six months of construction. The U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Cape Girardeau's fire and rescue squad also use the ramp.

The nearest other ramps are at Thebes, Ill., the Diversion Channel south of Cape Girardeau and at Trail of Tears State Park several miles north of the city.

Completion of the work will depend on weather and river fluctuations. In spite of the inconvenience, the improved access at Red Star will strengthen the city's ties to the river.