Two steps forward and one step back describes the decades-long effort to link the Capitol Complex and the banks of the Missouri River it overlooks.
The pattern recently was repeated, with two announcements of significant progress and one disappointing development.
Our readers likely are familiar with the history of fits and starts in attempts to gain riverfront access at an area commonly known as Adrian's Island, which is actually a peninsula of about 30 acres.
Among the obstacles is a Union Pacific Railroad switching yard, which separates the Capitol Complex from the riverfront. A tunnel and grade-level crossings have been deemed unfeasible.
That major hurdle, however, was cleared with last weekend's announcement that the Union Pacific Railroad has approved a pedestrian bridge spanning its tracks.
The railroad's decision clears the way for proposed construction of a curved walkway leading from the juncture of the Senate parking garage and the Veterans Memorial to the riverfront.
Jefferson City Area of Chamber of Commerce officials said the span now is being called the Veterans Walk, an 828.6-foot bridge featuring seven overlooks.
Chamber officials also announced private benefactor B.J. DeLong has pledged $1 million for the bridge, closing the funding gap for the nearly $3 million project.
Officials had hoped to narrow that gap further by seeking a $400,000 federal grant from the Transportation Alternative Funding (TAP) program, available through the Missouri Department of Transportation.
That attempt suffered a setback with Tuesday's announcement that the project failed to meet grant guidelines.
We are aware the project has its critics, including those oppose public funding to access and improve an area subject to flooding.
We acknowledge the possibility of flooding, as do the planners who intend to limit development to passive use and modest facilities that can be cleaned or replaced at minimal expense if flooding occurs.
In addition, planners have acquired and continue to seek private donations, as well as designated, instead of discretionary, public funds such as the TAP grants.
Decades of work have brought us nearer the goal of access to the river, which was a key factor in the site selection for our state capital.
Momentum for the Veterans Walk deserves to continue to completion.