JEFFERSON CITY - Jefferson City's River Front Development Committee said they want to make a thin strip of land called Adrian's Island into a park and open it up next to the capitol.
Right now, the only way to access the island is to cross a set of train tracks. The development committee said the best way to get people across is a tunnel under the tracks which would run from Main Street along Wears Creek.
Jefferson City leaders said projects like this have worked for cities Hermann and Washington. However, providing access alone will cost $2 million.
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce said this is an investment in the city's future, but not all of the city's residents are convinced.
"I wouldn't spend that much money on that," said Allyson Eichholz of Jefferson City.
The Riverfront Development Committee hopes the new park will improve tourism, and that visitors will enjoy the experience.
"We visit a lot of parks around the nation and usually parks that are close to or around capitols tend to bring visitors and keep them there," said Jim Jodock, a visitor from Washington state.
"Just as people need good electricity, good roads and good water, they need good places to recreate," said Mark Mehmert of the Chamber of Commerce.
If approved by the city, the tunnel project should be complete in 2009.
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