City of Cape Girardeau News - September 9, 2022

City Docks Marina Plan

Cape Girardeau’s 2022 Community Dock Feasibility Study is complete but there are no plans to move forward with the project. Building a marina would require broader community support, in addition to grants, private investment, and annual maintenance funds.

“We now have the information we need if the community decides to pursue it later,” said Grant Coordinator and SEMPO Director Alex McElroy. McElroy managed the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to determine if a dock is physically possible, and financially viable.

Downtown near the pedestrian gates was the preferred location of three including Century Casino and Red Star Access (formerly Honkers Boat Club). Upfront construction cost was estimated at $11-15 million with ongoing operations costs exceeding annual revenue. Additional partners would be required to build and maintain the project, including grants and private sector investment.

City leadership unanimously approved the grant for the feasibility study in December 2021. The sponsoring grant was awarded at an 80/20 rate with $60,000 being provided by the EDA and  $15,000 from the City’s Riverfront Development fund supported by casino revenue. The study was rooted in the 2017 Downtown Strategic Plan calling for investments designed to attract tourists, locals, and patrons to the riverfront district.

Cape Girardeau is uniquely positioned on the Mississippi River to attract consistent transient boat traffic from June through October. A dock would increase tourism, but the project will not move forward without broader community support and approval.

Download the Study Results

For more information contact:
Alexander S. McElroy, MPA
SEMPO Executive Director & City Grant Coordinator
573-339-6734 [email protected]

Airline Transition Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a flight?
Go online now for flights scheduled...

Until Oct. 17* - United.com

As of Oct. 18 - ContourAirlines.com or AmericanAirlines.com

What does this mean for my upcoming United Airlines branded flight?
Airline customers should be aware there are no immediate changes to United Airlines branded flight schedules. SkyWest Airlines will continue to operate flights until October 17, 2022 at www.united.com.  Due to an expected runway closure, SkyWest will not operate flights October 3-13^*.

Should I schedule a future United Airlines flight?
Customers can continue to make reservations at www.united.com from CGI through October 17, 2022. Due to an expected runway closure, SkyWest will not operate flights Oct. 3 – 13.  If you made advance reservations during this time, you will be contacted to assist with making alternate travel reservations.  If you have any questions, you may contact 800.864.8331 for more information.

What number should I call if I have specific questions on my United Airlines branded flight?
All flight specific questions should be directed to United Reservations:
1.800.United.1 or 1.800.864.8331                                                   
Baggage Information: 1.800.221.6903

Why did we change airlines?
On March 10, 2022, SkyWest Airlines filed a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) required notice to end air service to 29 airports across the country, including Cape Girardeau - CGI, due to an ongoing pilot/crew shortage across the aviation industry. There is no immediate loss of airline service to the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI), this notice simply triggered the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to issue Request for Proposals.  Along with the request, USDOT issued a Hold-In Order for SkyWest to remain in our community until new air service provider is in place.

When will a new airline start service at CGI?
Oct. 18.

What did the airport do to secure new airline service to the community?
On March 11, 2022, The USDOT issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for carriers interested in providing service to the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. During the RFP process, airport representatives presented information to many prospective airlines to ensure our region retained access to the National Air Transportation System. Due to the number of communities seeking new service, regional jet service was difficult to attract.

What proposals were received for providing airline service at CGI?
Boutique Air
Boutique Air proposed daily departures to St. Louis or Nashville in a single engine, turboprop, Pilatus PC-12 (8 or 9 seats). Boutique Air has a ticketing and baggage agreement and code share agreement with United Airlines and a ticketing and baggage agreement with American Airlines.
Southern Airways Express
Southern Airways Express proposed daily departures to Nashville and St. Louis, with an option for service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in a single engine, turboprop, Cessna Grand Caravan (9 seats). Southern has ticketing and baggage agreements with American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Contour Airlines
Contour Airlines proposed daily departures to Nashville International Airport in an ERJ-135 configured to 30-seats. Contour has an American Airlines ticket and baggage agreement with American Airlines. After submitting their initial proposal, Contour also offered service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport if the community is interested in CLT as a once daily option.

The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Advisory Board voted unanimously to support the Contour Airlines proposal to provide airline service to CGI for a 3-year term.  This recommendation was discussed and approved at the June 20, 2022 Cape Girardeau City Council with a unanimous vote.  Contour comes highly recommended from the communities they currently serve.  Nashville International Airport is a growing hub with access to a wide variety of Ultra Low Cost Carriers including Southwest Airlines. 

Welcome Contour Airlines!

The City of Cape Girardeau was pleased to announce the U.S. Department of Transportation had issued a Selection Order, officially selecting Contour Airlines to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) from the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport to Nashville International Airport, scheduled to begin October 18, 2022.  Contour will provide Cape Girardeau with 12 round trips per week using a 30-passenger Embraer ERJ – 135 aircraft.  Tickets are now available for purchase at www.contourairlines.com and aa.com.

The order was approved for a three-year contract, beginning October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2025.   “We are excited about the future of the Cape Girardeau Airport. Contour has a proven track record in the communities they currently serve, offering reliable, affordable service.  Contour will offer a tiered pricing structure, ranging from $29-$99, while offering specials occasionally, known as ‘Super Saver Sales’ with fares as low as $19,” said Katrina Amos, airport manager.  Contour has an interline agreement with American Airlines, with several non-stop options from Nashville and beyond. 

The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a fast-growing airport offering non-stop flights to multiple destinations, along with International options.  They offer many Ultra Low Cost Carrier options, including Southwest Airlines. 

SkyWest airlines will continue to operate flights from Cape Girardeau to Chicago O’Hare until October 17^th.  Amos remarked, “We’d like to thank SkyWest for their partnership throughout the years and working with our community as we transition to a new carrier.”  SkyWest announced in March 2022 its intent to terminate air service in 29 communities, including Cape Girardeau.  While they did not submit an official proposal during the EAS bidding process, SkyWest did present options to remain in the community.  Ultimately, after research and community engagement, the Cape Girardeau City Council voted 7-0 to recommend the Department Transportation select Contour to service our region.

Due to the reconstruction of Taxiway B, there will be a ten-day closure of Runway 10/28, beginning October 3, 2022, through October 13, 2022; preventing SkyWest Airlines from operating during that time. 

SEMO Fair Parking & Traffic

Parking at Police Headquarters (2530 Maria Louise Lane) and
Municipal Court (2536 Maria Louise Lane)
shall be for official police or court business only from September 10-17, 2022.
Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense, and a traffic ticket may be issued.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department will be implementing special traffic arrangements for the 2022 SEMO District Fair to assure the smooth and safe flow of motor vehicles entering and exiting the Arena Park area.

“No Parking” signs will be placed around Arena Park on Friday, September 9, 2022, to restrict parking. These “No Parking” signs will be enforced beginning Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 6:00 a.m. Any vehicles parked in a “No Parking” or “Restricted Parking” area will be towed away at the owner’s expense, and a traffic ticket may be issued.

Additionally, on Friday, September 9, 2022, “No Parking” signs will be placed in Capaha Park, North West End Blvd., and Perry Ave. to restrict parking for the SEMO District Fair Parade on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Capaha Park will be closed beginning at 6:00 a.m. and only vehicles actually used in the parade will be allowed inside the park. If anyone wishes to deliver parade participants, they can be dropped off at the intersection of West End Blvd. and Normal Street at the park entrance. Parade entries must enter Capaha Park from Broadway and Perry. No southbound traffic will be allowed at Perry and Dunklin. Subjects who drive around barricades may be ticketed.

West End Blvd. will be closed between Broadway and Normal Streets at 7:00 a.m. to allow the parade to form. Broadway west of West End Blvd., and Kingshighway between Broadway and Cape Rock Drive, and Kingshighway from Hopper to Kiwanis will be closed during the parade.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department appreciates your cooperation.

Keep Trash in the Cart

Overflowing trash cans can spill when they are picked up by us and sometimes before we can even get there. In addition, overweight cars can damage equipment.

For more tips, review the Solid Waste Handbook at cityofcape.org/solidwaste

READ MORE

Riverfront
Fall Festival
Oct. 22

Mark your calendar for the 1st Annual Riverfront Fall Festival October 22 and follow Riverfront Fall Festival on Facebook for plan updates on partners, food, and more! Brought to you by VisitCape and friends!

More Upcoming Events

September 10-17 - SEMO District Fair

September 15 - 17th Annual Senior 2-Person Scramble

September 22 - Community Dance & Social

September 23-34 - Shipyard Music Festival

November 12 - Fall Garage Sale

For more see visitcape.com/events

Emergency, Urgent, or Other

You Report, We Respond!

Always call 911 for emergencies like threats to life and property
For urgent issues like animals, parking, and noise, call 573-339-6311
For other nuisances like trash, weeds, potholes, and property maintenance use our website  www.cityofcape.org/report

Police offers online incident reporting at cityofcape.org/police
An anonymous tipline is available in the app store, on the website, phone 339-6313, and by texting “CAPEPD” to 847411 with any message or tip. You Report, We Respond!

Always call 911 for emergencies like threats to life and property

For urgent issues like animals, parking, and noise, call 573-339-6311
For other nuisances like trash, weeds, potholes, and property maintenance use our website  www.cityofcape.org/report
Police offers online incident reporting at cityofcape.org/police
An anonymous tipline is available in the app store, on the website, phone 339-6313, and by texting “CAPEPD” to 847411 with any message or tip.