Support LOST to help C.R. streets

Linn County voters have the opportunity on Tuesday to be heard on an issue that's important to the vitality of our community's future. As the president and chief executive officer of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, representing more than 1,000 member businesses, I encourage you to vote yes on the renewal of the one-cent local-option sales tax.

For Cedar Rapids residents, the ballot language stipulates the money can only be used for streets. A strong road infrastructure is critical to growing business and attracting talent to our area. We must invest in our infrastructure for residents, businesses and those that we hope to attract.

Street improvement is another amenity we can tout when meeting prospects interested in locating their business in the Cedar Rapids metro region. It shows this community is dedicated to making the kind of changes that will keep us moving forward.

We can no longer solely rely on federal and state government to provide needed funds for our infrastructure improvement projects. The money we currently receive from the state Road Use Tax Fund is projected to remain flat next year. The prospect for funding from the federal government is even bleaker. We simply can't wait any longer.

Dee Baird

President, CEO

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance