RIVERFRONT TRAIL WOULD SHOW OFF THE MISSISSIPPI

News that Cape Girardeau officials are looking at developing a walking/biking trail along the Mississippi River comes as good news indeed. Riverfront Park on the river side of the city's floodwall offers some access to the mighty Mississippi River, but there is so much more than could be done to serve the needs of residents who love the river as well as catering to visitors who come to see a historic town.

At this point, the idea for the river trail includes a pathway from Sloan Creek -- just past the north end of the floodwall near the Red Star area -- to the proposed River Campus planned by Southeast Missouri State University at the former St. Vincent's Seminary site.

Along the way, other improvements are possible: better access across the downtown railroad tracks and floodway, an interpretive center and expansion of Riverfront Park.

Cape Girardeau already is well on its way to a major trail system. The walking/biking Osage Trail that has been developed long the Cape La Croix Creek flood-control project extends from near the Route W/Lexington Avenue intersection past Arena Park and beyond the commercial area of Kingshighway all the way to the Shawnee Park Sports Complex south of Highway 74.

It wouldn't take too much -- perhaps a walking/biking lane along the new Highway 74 bridge-access route -- to link the Osage Trail and the proposed riverfront trail, giving walkers and cyclists a sweeping U-shaped course through the city.

The cost of the riverfront trail is currently estimated to be $1.5 million, but it could be more than that if some of the extras are included. The city intends to ask for federal funding through the Missouri Department of Transportation, which could cover up to 80 percent of the trail's cost.

While the financial assistance would be helpful, and there's a good chance the city will get the grant, ideas to make the most of the riverfront asset are long overdue. The riverfront trail is the kind of development that would have a far-reaching impact, particularly on tourism, and should be included in the city's capital-improvement plan.

Of particular interest are the ideas for enhancing the riverfront beyond the trail. Making the river accessible is just one of those ideas. Even though trains passing through town alongside the floodwall have produced few tragedies, the potential is always there.

It can be hoped that residents will view the plans for the riverfront as a positive enhancement of the city's connection to the Mississippi River.