Voters pass projects in Cape, Jackson

On Tuesday, area voters spoke clearly, passing the fifth Transportation Trust Fund sales tax in Cape Girardeau, and, in Jackson, passing a water bond issue. Voters approved both measures by a wide margin.

In the case of TTF5, various roadways will be improved and repaired during the next five years. With Jackson's water bond issue, the goal is to replace and revamp aged water pipes to accommodate a growing city and to increase water pressure to homes and for use during emergencies such as fires.

And while no one ever enjoys paying taxes, sometimes basic infrastructure expenses are necessary. Voters have shown they recognize and understand this.

TTF5 is a half-cent sales tax voters have been renewing every five years since 1995. It is a pay-as-you-go means of making necessary improvements. Projects only happen when money is available, so no interest-bearing debt is incurred, and taxpayers can see exactly where the money is going.

TTF5, which will sunset in five years, features seven projects that will address roads, sidewalks and streetlights in areas of Lexington Avenue, Independence Street, West End Boulevard, Main and Sprigg streets. Its project list includes replacing the Sloan Creek Bridge off Big Bend Road and building a new leg of Fountain Street that will create a direct route to Broadway and Cape Girardeau's downtown area.

These projects account for a little more than 45 percent of the $24 million the city expects the tax to generate in its lifetime.

With Jackson's water system bond issue, $11.5 million will be used over the next 10 years to build a new water tower, well, improved pumping equipment and upgraded pipes citywide. Nothing like it has been passed since 1997. Voters decided the city made a good case that the upgrade is needed.

Although only 8 percent to 10 percent of registered voters turned out for the election on Aug. 4, about 70 percent of those who did gave their support to these two infrastructure issues.

While the turnout was low and disappointing, the residents who cared enough to vote spoke clearly that these infrastructure improvements are worth the investment. The vote also was a vote of confidence in Cape Girardeau and Jackson city governments.