Editorial

ON THE ROAD TO GROWTH IN 1992, DOLLARS COUNT

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The year ahead may be one of tight finances for local and state governments, but it should also be one of progress for a number of construction projects already scheduled. Thanks to Proposition A and continued good management of highway dollars, the region continues on the road to better transportation.

Topping the road project list is preliminary construction associated with the $89 million Cape Girardeau Mississippi River Bridge and cross-city highway. After several years of planning and right-of-way acquisition already under our belt, it will be good to finally see some construction begin. However, we must realize that projects of this magnitude take time. Actual construction of the bridge is still more than a year away, with completion targeted in about six years.

The expiration of the National Highway Transportation Act in 1991 canceled several bid lettings last fall. But with the new federal act in place, state highway officials are hoping to make up for lost time with several bid lettings later this month. A number of resurfacing and minor shoulder and bridge improvement projects are planned throughout the region as well as some new construction. In fact, 132 miles of existing highway improvements will be included in Tuesday bid openings by the state.

One major project on the schedule is first phase of Highway 60 near Sikeston. The three-phase $16.5 million project includes construction of three new bridges. It's part of an overall plan to make Highway 60 a four-lane route from Sikeston to Poplar Bluff. In Cape Girardeau County, bids will be open Jan. 31 for construction of a Highway 177 bridge over Big Flora Creek at Egypt Mills. This project will cost about $630,000.

Although city finances are also tight, a number of critical projects that already are funded will proceed this year. That includes construction of the Cape LaCroix Creek/Walker Branch flood control project, the Lexington Ave. extension from Route W to Perryville Road, and completion of north and west-end sewer extensions to spur residential and commercial growth. The flood control project is proceeding at a good clip, thanks in part to mild winter. Five bridges will be started this year as part of the project.

Any new highway projects on the drawing board will depend on hard cash. The debate on road projects and funding will heat up in the coming months with the announcement Friday that the Missouri State Highway Commission has proposed a 6-cent increase in the state's gasoline tax. Our state's highway dollar contribution must be increased, commissioners say, so that Missouri can meet the required match for more federal highway dollars that are on their way back to our state under the newly enacted federal transportation law.

The debate should be a lively one, especially in the face of Proposition B's overwhelming defeat last year. But state highway officials come to the table with sound credibility born of a good track record: our state and region are still benefiting from Proposition A. That referendum delivered on its promise of better roads and bridges.

The six-cent tax would be phased in over five years, and would boost the state's average share of federal highway funds from $250 million to $430 million, according to state highway officials. This gas tax proposal does not require voter approval but must be approved by the legislature. No doubt this proposal will dominate debate as legislators return to Jefferson City Wednesday.

On the road to growth, money and infrastructure will continue to top the list of state and regional priorities in 1992. Planning is sound. Missouri highway officials enjoy public confidence. We think the prospects for progress in meeting our transportation needs are bright.