For Release: Thursday, July 21, 2011
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

TRI-CITY REGIONAL PORT DISTRICT RECEIVES $8.5 MILLION TRANSPORTATION GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the Tri-City Regional Port District has received an $8.5 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. The funds will be used to construct a new south harbor and connecting rail lines for a multi-modal inland waterway transportation barge port and associated rail and truck facility located at their facilities in Madison County, Illinois. Costello also sponsored the legislation that enabled the transfer of the former U.S. Army Charles Melvin Price Support Center, where the new harbor is located, to the Port District.

Last year, Costello helped secure a $6 million Tiger Grant for the Port District, which is known as America’s Central Port. In combination with state and local funding, the additional $8.5 million will complete funding for the project. The Port estimates it will create over 2,400 construction jobs and over 800 long-term jobs in the region. All permits for the project are in place.

“This is an important project for our region, and is a national model for intermodal transportation projects,” said Costello, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “It takes advantage of our region’s central location and proximity to the Mississippi River and major interstate highways to create an efficient transportation network. America’s Central Port continues to be an economic driver for our area, and this project will make it an even more attractive place for businesses.”

On getting word that US Congressman Jerry Costello obtained additional TIGER grant funds for the Port’s new South Harbor project, Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director of America’s Central Port, wanted to thank Congressman Costello for all of his hard work to make this project a reality. Wilmsmeyer said, “on behalf of the Port’s Board of Commissioners and myself, we are pleased that the Congressman was able to obtain these additional funds. Ever since his first announcement of funding made last year for 6 million towards this project and his visit to the Port with Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, we know he worked hard to make this happen. The jobs and economic development this project will create is a tremendous shot in the arm for our area and our region.”

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