Cape Girardeau city officials have hired a $30,000 lobbyist to promote a new route proposal for Interstate 66 that would bring the super-highway through southern Illinois, across the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and completely bypass Sikeston, Charleston, Dexter, Poplar Bluff, etc. Of course officials in this region are equally adamant that the route should leave Kentucky by way of Wickliffe, cross the Mississippi River there and enter Missouri near Charleston. That would connect the proposed cross-country interstate to Highway 60 and take it across Missouri.
This debate has raged for years. It will end when Kentucky state officials announce their decision on where the interstate will exit their state. The remaining discussion is simply rhetoric with regional interests in mind.
Granted, we favor the southern route because of the potential economic impact on Sikeston and the immediate area. But more importantly, we favor a route that is best for the public. Southern Illinois would see virtually no benefit from the route crossing the corner of their state. Let's face it. The battle is about the power of Cape Girardeau interests who want a unique route that makes little sense to anyone but Cape Girardeau. In the world of politics, they may have the upper hand. I doubt it however.
All communities compete for jobs and businesses and new residents. That is the purpose of a community, at least one that hopes to grow and prosper and thereby provide more opportunities for its citizens. Of all times, this seems the worst possible window for Sikeston to be reducing its efforts on economic development. But those decisions are clearly out of my hands.
Cape Girardeau seems to have the money and influence on their side. Sikeston simply has logic and common sense. It will be interesting to see which prevails.