Our Opinion: Vision of riverfront park takes shape

We're encouraged by progress toward achieving the longtime vision to access the Missouri River from the Capitol Complex.

A story in Sunday's News Tribune reported a September decision is expected from the Union Pacific Railroad on a design for a pedestrian bridge to span the rail yard between the Capitol and river. In addition, Jefferson City officials will pursue grant funding to help cover the project cost.

Although the project has its detractors, we believe riverfront access is vital for Jefferson City.

Why? Because the Missouri River was essential to the city's selection as Missouri's capital. According to James E. Ford's "History of Jefferson City," state officials in 1820 determined: "The only logical site for a state capital was on the Missouri River, running through the central part of the state within 40 miles of the mouth of the Osage."

Jefferson City has been a riverfront community without Cole County access to the riverfront for too many decades. A pedestrian bridge would be more than an access point, it would enhance the historic character of our community.

At a estimated cost of $2.99 million, we concede the project is expensive. But taxpayers need not fear; about $1.5 million has been pledged to the project so far, and plans call for additional funding to come from private donors or from grants awarded specifically for these types of projects.

In short, the funding is largely dedicated to this project or these types of projects; it cannot be used or diverted elsewhere.

We also concede the riverfront may flood on occasion. Plans, however, call for establishment of a passive park that can be restored with minimal expense in the aftermath of any flooding.

In this forum on Jan. 27, we wrote: "As outlined, this project does not adversely affect taxpayers, but creates an amenity for anyone who wants to use it."

Jefferson City is rich in attractions. It is Missouri's Capital City, it boasts a historic heritage and it is centrally located.

Its lone untapped asset is failure to connect the Capitol to the riverfront, a historic consideration in its selection as the state capital.

The time has come to fulfill the vision of a riverfront park.