A Pike County lawmaker’s plan to give a development incentive to more Missouri communities continues to draw interest.

The Senate held a public hearing Thursday (April 14) on Representative Jim Hansen’s proposal for expanded community development districts.

The Frankford Republican wants to give all Missouri cities the right to set up the tax-supported areas. Right now, only Kansas City may do so.

Community improvement districts are not-for-profits or separate political subdivisions organized to finance wide-ranging public works projects.

If approved by voters in the proposed district, a tax could be levied to fund development efforts. Should voters reject the idea, it could not be resubmitted in the same area for a year.