PORTS
Ports are responsible for $4.6 trillion in economic activity, which is roughly 26% of the US economy. To remain competitive globally and with one another, ports have been investing in expansion, modernization and repair. The cost for investments in their facilities? Ports plan to spend $154.8 billion 2016 through 2020. Grants are needed to help with funding and even though there is national significance of ports, most port-related investments are limited to state or local appropriations, with multiple ports within one state competing for the same funding.
What needs to be done? It’s necessary to appropriate funds to the congressionally-authorized projects to ensure that projects crucial to freight movement are completed in a timely manner. It’s also important to ensure that ports have a seat at the table as states create their freight plans. Also, adopting new technologies to reduce wait times at docks, boost efficiency and increased security is important.
One goal of The Illinois Ports Association is to highlight how ports are part of the greater freight network, with roadways and rail lines playing an important role in the success of its transportation. The freight network is only as strong as its weakest link, and due to port congestion over the past 10 years, productivity has decreased by 25%. It’s time to focus on the ports network in the State of Illinois.
Below are the ports associated with the Illinois Ports Association with links providing more information about their facility.
Alexander-Cairo Port
America’s Central Port
America’s Central Port, formerly known as Tri-City Regional Port District, is strategically located in the heart of the United States on the Mississippi River and adjacent to highways and rail.
Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port
MT. CARMEL REGIONAL PORT
OTTAWA PORT
SENECA REGIONAL PORT
SHAWNEETOWN REGIONAL PORT
WAUKEGAN PORT
Illinois Ports Association
Illinois leads the nation in production of soybeans, an important protein source for animals and humans around the world. ISA believes that by working together, we can solve our greatest challenges and positively impact our future. As an organization committed to leading collaborative efforts that bring innovative solutions, this website and the aerial drone footage was made possible from a grant by the Illinois Soybean Association.
contact information
1635 West First Street
Granite City, Illinois 62040