09.10.20

Durbin, Duckworth Announce More Than $20 Million For Metro East Port Improvements

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $20.8 million in federal funding for the St. Louis Bi-State Regional Ports Improvements Project, which will upgrade ports in the Metro East and St. Louis region. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) BUILD grant program.

“This federal funding will help improve ports that are integral to the Metro East’s economy and the nation’s freight transportation network,” Durbin said. “Senator Duckworth and I are proud to support this improvement project, and will continue advocating for strong investments in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure.”

“This significant infusion of federal funding to America’s Central Port will help move our state’s economy in the right direction and improve our port infrastructure in the Metro East,” Duckworth said. “This project will enhance regional freight movement and increase freight resiliency, which is critically needed. I’m proud to announce this investment in Illinois and I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin to improve infrastructure in every corner of our state.”

"America's Central Port is pleased to hear that its infrastructure needs have been selected as part of a bi-state effort to upgrade several river terminals in southwestern Illinois and St. Louis," said Dennis Wilmsmeyer, executive director of America's Central Port District.  "This BUILD grant will allow for the refurbishment and enhancement of several rail and barge loading facilities, thereby increasing efficiencies and allowing more products to be moved cost effectively by river barge.  We greatly appreciate Senators Durbin and Duckworth's support of this project and her ongoing support of infrastructure development in southwestern Illinois."

The St. Louis Bi-State Regional Ports Improvements Project is a collaboration to upgrade three regional ports:

  • America’s Central Port in Granite City, Illinois
  • Port of East St. Louis, Illinois
  • St. Louis Port Authority Municipal River Terminal and Tyler Ports

The funding will be used to improve port infrastructure to enhance regional freight movement including intermodal transfers, and increase freight resiliency from increasingly frequent weather events while improving safety and air quality.

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