Warrenton officials have approved a plan that could provide the local share of funding for a proposed Interstate 70 overpass near the western city limits, as well as future transportation projects. Attorneys for the city on Friday filed the necessary legal documents in Warren County Circuit Court to establish the City of Warrenton Interchange Transportation Development District. "This is a very common mechanism for development used by fourth-class cities," said Chris Graville, city attorney. "Essentially, it establishes a sales tax to fund transportation projects which is specified both by the ballot and the district's administration. "This will allow the city to plan for its transportation projects along Interstate 70 for the foreseeable future," Graville continued. "This will not only fund the second overpass, but also repairs to the overpass at Highway 47." The petition calls for a special mail-in election to determine whether the creation of the district will be approved. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters who are residents of Warrenton living within the boundaries of the proposed transportation development district, according to the petiton. Mayor Jerry Dyer said there are 12 residents living within the affected area. The boundaries would extend from near Mile Marker 191 along Interstate 70 approximately 2.1 miles west of the current interchange. The district would include the Wal-Mart SuperCenter and several other businesses located within the immediate vicinity of the current interchange between Interstate 70 and Highway 47. If the district is established, a transportation sales tax between one-eighth of 1 percent and 1 percent could be levied. The tax would be assessed on goods and services sold by stores within the district. "We don't know how much it will be be yet," Dyer told The Record, explaining that the city will need to determine what its cost share of the proposed second overpass will be first. The mayor also stressed that details such as a sunset clause on the tax remain to be determined. The Interstate 70 corridor is "such an integral part of our community and we've got to look to our future," Graville stated. Establishment of the district would enable the city to not have to rely on county or state funding for projects, Graville added. "This gives us some ability to control our destiny," he stated. "We have so many opportunities. This will allow us to have a funding source for our future growth."