Durbin, Duckworth Announce $8 Million in Federal Funding for Kaskaskia Regional Port District Project
SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Project will receive $8,000,000 in federal funding through the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which is administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. With this funding, the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Project will install new rail tracks to create yard near an existing port terminal in addition to implementing improvements that will support the movement of bulk cargo.
“Our nation relies on ports and rail lines to keep our freight transportation industry moving. The Kaskaskia Regional Port District plays an important role in this industry, and it’s integral to the downstate economy,” said Durbin. “I’m glad to see Secretary Buttigieg approve this funding request to support the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Project.”
“Helping ensure that our state’s ports and railways can expand and make necessary upgrades is key to maintaining Illinois’ status as a major commerce hub,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this federal support that will go a long way in helping Kaskaskia Regional Port District grow and remain an integral part of the downstate economy.”
Earlier this year, Durbin urged Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to approve the Kaskaskia Regional Port District’s (KRPD) application for the project. Noting that KRPD is the 15th largest inland port in the country, Durbin emphasized that approving KRPD’s grant application would also alleviate current supply chain issues involving gypsum and fly ash, materials that are essential to the construction industry.
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