Working together

With a combined population in the 2000 census of 51,887, the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, along with the surrounding Cape Girardeau County area, ought to qualify as a Metropolitan Planning Organization. But the lack of homes and businesses in nearby flood plains, county parks and cemeteries have kept the Greater Cape Girardeau MPO from becoming a reality.

Now a consultant hired by the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association says he believes those hurdles can be overcome. What's the advantage of being part of an MPO? The biggest pluses are eligibility for federal grants to assist with transportation planning and a stronger voice in setting transportation priorities. This has been the case in the six other MPOs in Missouri.

The county commission and the Cape Girardeau City Council have approved resolutions in favor of seeking MPO status. City officials in Jackson and Scott City are considering similar resolutions.

The benefits of an MPO also would be enhanced by the further cooperative efforts of the three cities and the county. There have been other examples of intercity projects that have produced good results. This may well be an opportunity for still better opportunities for strength in numbers.