Ozark MO passes capital improvements tax that will fund roads, sidewalks, trails, greenways

In Tuesday's municipal electios across Missouri, the city of Ozark in southwest Missouri is another community that found that including sidewalks, trails, and greenways in the city's capital improvements tax proposal helps build voter support.

Under the leadership of Mayor Rock Gardner and City Administrator Steve Childers, the city's 3/8 cent transportation sales tax proposal included specific sidewalk and greenway trail improvements.

The measure passed on April 4th by an overwhelming margin--69% to 30%.

The city provided this information about the transportation tax:

• It sunsets in five years

• It would generate an estimated $5.5 million in revenue and draw about $19.5 million from federal and state funds.

• If you spend $100 a week, the tax would draw 38 cents a week, $1.36 a month and $19.50 a year.

• It would pay for sidewalk improvements and additions on South Street.

• Improve intersections at state Route NN and highway 14 and Business 65 and South Street. Both streets will see lane additions funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation. MoDOT pays for the new lanes, but the city pays for the new intersections.

• It would help pay for sidewalk and greenway trail projects through out the city.

• It would aid Ozark Special Road District in paying for a new Riverside Bridge.

The Riverside Bridge is a vital link in the area--for pedestrians and bicyclists as well--and local advocates have been working for years to preserve the historic bridge and maintain the river crossing via the historic bridge and/or a new bridge.

Working to support funding for bicycling, walking, and trails in communities across Missouri is one way we reach the goals of our Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri. Creating a complete, seamless, interconnected, world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri is one of those goals.

Your ongoing membership and generous financial support helps turn our Vision into reality!