There is one rather significant development. There appears to be a consensus that a new road should be built on the north side of the levee in southern Warren County. The road now runs on top of the levee. The stretch in Warren County is about 1.6 miles. The portion in St. Charles County is a paved road.

There is no funding for the road from any entity at this time. However, if federal funds are used, probably an environmental impact study would have to be made, and it won't be free. The study would take time and money. There would be a wetlands issue, probably.

One bright development is that the Warren County government is involved in the improvement discussions, and that's really good news. Warren County's cooperation is vital. Warren County recognizes that "something has to be done."

No one knows what the extent of the Corps of Engineers' involvement in the project would be. That agency may be another federal hoop that would have to be cleared.

A suggestion that was made at the last meeting of the committee was to make the road an extension of the Katy Trail. That could open the door to some funding, Kevin Kriete, an engineer and member of the Highway 47 Missouri River Bridge Committee, said. That suggestion is worth looking into.

There may be merit in trying to tie the road and bridge project together in some way to enhance funding for both.

The Augusta Bottom Road is a vital link between Washington and southwestern St. Charles County. The cutoff is a great time saver and that's important when taking patients to St. John's Mercy Hospital. Augusta is in the Washington School District and some buses travel the road. Many workers in Washington who live across the river use the road. The present gravel road is hazardous due to its condition. It needs to be improved or replaced. The latter would be the best route to follow.