PLANS ADVANCE FOR NEW I-55 INTERCHANGE

Over the past five years, Jackson city officials have appeared before the Missouri Highway Commission several times concerning the construction of an East Main Street interchange at I-55 between the Jackson/Fruitland and Cape/Jackson interchanges. Our last appearance prompted the project to be added to the 15 year plan of scheduled improvements.

This year we budgeted $1 million in transportation sales tax funds toward the completion of the first phase of the East Main St. extension, scheduled to begin this fall. Phase one (Shawnee St. to Oak Hill Rd.) is about 60 percent of the distance needed to connect with I-55. We are prepared to budget the necessary transportation tax funds to complete phase two (Oak Hill Rd. to I-55) as soon the Missouri Highway Commission and MoDOT approve and schedule construction of this new I-55 interchange.

The Jackson/Cape Girardeau area is the fastest growing area in the Southeast part of the State. We have an immediate need for improved traffic flow and safety if we are to continue the orderly growth that we have incurred the past few years. The proposed interchange is strongly endorsed by the cities of Jackson and Cape Girardeau and Cape Girardeau County.

MoDOT is presently studying several proposed bypasses of Jackson and also has a 19-point long term improvement proposal written by local citizens.

While some of these plans have merit, I can't emphasis enough our immediate need for the East Main St. interchange to be planned and constructed as soon as possible. I have asked the Missouri Highway Commission and MoDOT for direction as to what we can do or should do to further promote the acceleration of this ongoing project.

The council recently authorized city staff to start planning for a water study to identify Jackson's long term water needs and what sources would be available to meet the long term needs of our growing city.

The joint committee (Jackson-Cape Girardeau) to study possible long term annexation plans of both cities recently met again at Jackson City Hall. The purpose of this ongoing joint committee is to identify areas most likely to be considered for annexation over the next 5-10 & 20 years.

The annual American Legion Jackson Homecomers celebration will be held Aug. 18-22. I hope everyone can come to the square in Jackson and enjoy the food, entertainment, rides and just visit with folks during this annual tradition.

Summer has almost slipped away. Soon school will start again and footballs will fill the air at JHS. With school starting soon, I urge everyone to take extra care driving in and around Jackson. Good luck to all the teachers, students and other school employees for another outstanding school year.

The Council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your suggestions and input are always welcome.

Paul Sander is mayor of Jackson.