Telegraph and 255 Getting Landscaping Makeover

The intersection of Telegraph Road and Interstate 255 will be getting a makeover next year, thanks to some last minute funding from River City Casino.

For more than two years, the South County Economic Improvement Group has been looking for funds to improve the 40 acres along Interstate 255 and Telegraph Road.

“We wanted to create something that will be a beautiful entrance to the state of Missouri, into and into the Telegraph Oakville area,” said Larry Giesing with the improvement group.

The space became a dumping ground after several bridge and road projects, Giesing said. It is eroding and is only mowed once a year.

With the amount of funeral processions in and out of Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, the improvement group wanted to make the area more attractive.

Since there’s no irrigation, the Missouri Department of Transportation recommended planting wildflowers in the area. The project will also pay for a company to come out and mow the grass regularly.

The group hit a roadblock when they needed an extra $5,000 for interest costs, Giesing said.

In August, River City Casino donated what the organization needed to move forward with the project.

Congressman Russ Carnahan secured $300,000 of federal funds for the project last year, Giesing said.

Another , created by revenue from the land lease of Pinnacle Entertainment’s River City Casino.

The project will start in the spring of 2013.