Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Airport Tower Project

Many large projects have taken place at Rosecrans Memorial Airport over the last couple of years and will have many more in the coming years. One of these major projects will be to remodel our aging air traffic control tower. The tower was built in 1952, and was damaged in the 1993 flood. This building has had minor updates and a reconstruction project of the terminal floor after the flood, but the time has come for it to be reconstructed. This reconstruction project will help meet safety and quality standards for the men and women who keep the airspace safe. 

This facility is unique in the fact that the tower is owned and maintained by the city of St. Joseph, but the FAA has a contract with the Missouri Air National Guard to man and operate the air traffic operations. The FAA occupies space in the second and third floor of the tower to house pieces of equipment which are essential to keeping the airport operating safely and efficiently. The air traffic controllers are in the cab of the tower as they talk to the pilots, ensure the airplanes get safely on the ground and direct them to their destination. The air traffic controllers are employed by the Air National Guard . 

The city and the Air National Guard have been working closely over the last couple of years to come up with a solution and funding for this remodel. The main objective for the project will be to provide flexibility in the infrastructure so it can be compatible to future users whether it is the city, National Guard, FAA or other private entities. Since the airspace is utilized by all these parties, funding will be similar to previous Airport Improvement Program (AIP) projects. The city is working with all agencies and hopes to receive grants to help fund this project. The exact dollar amount for the reconstruction and breakout of funding per agency is still being researched, but staff is working diligently to come up with the answers. 
Bonds for Bridges

On April 7, voters will consider the issuance of general obligation (G.O.) bonds in the amount of $20 million for the repair and replacement of bridges and transportation infrastructure in St. Joseph. The average age of the bridges in need of replacement and repair is 79 years, with six of the bridges being built prior to 1930. If passed, the bonds would be issued in July 2020, with work to start shortly thereafter.

Outlaw Adventure Run

There is still time to sign up for the third annual Outlaw Adventure 5K Run on Saturday, March 28, at Krug Park at 10am, hosted by the Parks, Recreation, & Civic Facilities Department. This run will give participants a scenic look of one of St. Joseph’s largest parks with a wide variety of obstacles and trails for participants of all ages to explore. Challenge yourself to conquer obstacles as you follow the path that winds its way through unimproved trails, around the amphitheater and lagoon, and along the roadway around the park. Registration deadline is March 26, but those who register by March 13 will be guaranteed a shirt. Grab a group of friends to apply for a group discount. For more information call, 271-5501. To r egister for the run, visit the run's Facebook page or RunSignUp page. 

Use promo code CITYLINK for a discount toward your entry fee today. This discount will expire at 5pm on Friday, March 13. 
#BeCounted in the 2020 Census

It's important to make sure every person is counted in the 2020 Census. Did you know many households often forget to count their children when responding to the census? When every Missourian is counted, our state receives federal funding for important services and programs for children like education, child care services and health care. Residents should be on the lookout for a postcard this month with information on how to complete the census. For more information, visit   census.mo.gov.
Time to Spring Forward

Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 8, at 2am, which means it is time to spring forward. Make sure to set your clocks forward one hour and remember to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
(816) 271-5300