SCOTT CITY TO BENEFIT FROM PASSAGE OF TAX

SCOTT CITY -- The approval by Missouri's General Assembly of an increase in the state fuel tax will do much to increase economic activity in Scott City, the town's mayor said Thursday.

"All in all it is the most significant economic development move that I have seen our state participate in," said Shirley Young. "And it's very much going to impact our area."

The 6-cent increase will fund several highway projects in and around Scott City. First will likely be the extension of Nash Road to the Southeast Missouri Regional Port. An additional exit out of town will most likely follow.

Construction of the Nash Road extension could start later this year. The port authority has already acquired the right of way for the project and has conducted most of the environmental studies needed for construction.

"I am proud of the state representatives and senators for approving this," she said. "And I certainly applaud the highway commission and the package they put together."

The mayor said the town, like other Missouri cities, will receive money from the tax for improvements in streets. She said Scott City will likely realize about $50,000 per year in those funds.

That's welcome news, she said, because voters in the town have twice rejected a special sales tax that would fund street repair.

"That can certainly go a long way toward street improvement in the city," she said.

Redesign of the town's one interchange with Interstate 55 is also on the agenda, though it may not be completed for several years.

"We reported to the highway commission how many accidents take place there, so they were aware of the problem." Improvements in the interchange will be an important safety feature, the mayor said.

The planned extension of Nash Road, which is the main thoroughfare through the town's industrial park, will mean better access to the industrial park.

Young said impact of highway improvements brought about by the implementation of the fuels tax increase will likely take years to fully be realized.

"This is an economic breakthrough," the mayor said. "And, of course, I'm only commenting on what's going to be done in our city. Cities all over the state will benefit as well," she said.

In the end, the fuels tax increase will mean "jobs and increased highway safety," she said.