Central Port to get rail and street improvements

By CARL GREEN

Illinois Correspondent

Granite City, IL – Workers at America’s Central Port along the Mississippi River at Granite City may benefit from a $700,000 federal grant for rail and road improvements.

The Economic Development Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, awarded the grant to encourage business growth at the port’s intermodal industrial park.

‘BIG DEAL FOR JOBS’

“This grant is a big deal for jobs and economic growth in Madison County and the Metro East region,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

“America’s Central Port supports [more than] 1,000 jobs and has a massive economic impact,” Bost said. “Our community stands to benefit as the port continues to expand through both private investment and grants like this.”

The grant will pay for about 2,200 feet of new railroad track to improve the industrial park’s link between the freight transportation network and local manufacturers.

Also, D Street will be milled and rebuilt with a two-inch asphalt overlay.

INFRASTRUCTURE FIX

“This project will provide local manufacturers and other businesses with the transportation infrastructure they need to grow and thrive,” said Dennis Alvord, deputy assistant secretary for regional affairs.

“We commend America’s Central Port District for working to generate economic opportunities by boosting access to its intermodal industrial park,” he added.

The Economic Development Administration’s mission is to promote competitiveness and prepare regions for growth and success in the world economy by investing in economically distressed communities to create jobs, promote innovation and accelerate sustainable economic growth.