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Illinois Invests $1.3-Million in Tri-State Port

Jason Parrott
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Tri States Public Radio

The Mid-America Port Commission received a financial "shot-in-the-arm" this week from the state of Illinois.

Governor Pat Quinn announced a $1.3-million investment in the Commission's proposed port facility during a brief visit to Quincy Regional Airport Monday night.

"The Mississippi River forms our entire western border and is one of the nation's key routes to transport Illinois goods around the world," said Quinn. "Quincy is perfectly situated to take full advantage of this water highway and the Mid-America Port will like water, road, rail and air transportation like never before."

Quinn went on to say when completed, "the intermodal port will ensure Western Illinois is better equipped to give our businesses and farmers even better access to the global market."

The money comes from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. It will be used to pay for engineering and design work for the port facility.

The port will be built along the Mississippi River, below Lock & Dam 20, ensuring year-round access to open-water.

Credit Jason Parrott / Tri States Public Radio
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Tri States Public Radio
A conceptual rendering of the proposed Mid-America Port near Quincy. A state grant will be used for engineering and design work.

Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore said this investment equals jobs and economic growth for his city and the entire tri-state region.

"The future development of the Mid-America Port will help our current businesses grow as well as help us attract new businesses to our communities," said Moore.

The Mid-America Port will be completed in phases as money becomes available. It is expected to cost $80-million to complete.

The goal is to eventually have port facilities in each of the three member states (Illinois, Iowa, & Missouri).  The commission was formed in 1999.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.