Cairo inland port project gets $3.4 million boost

The new inland port project in development at Cairo got a boost from Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation. $3.4 million is coming from Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois program.

The funds will go toward environmental studies and other requirements placed on the project by the federal government. The Alexander Cairo Port District already has $40 million in commitments for the port.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said, "The Cairo port is one of the core pieces of Rebuild Illinois and critical to maintaining our state's status as the transportation hub of North America. The project will put people to work and strengthen the local economy while giving the region the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace."

According to IDOT, nearly 80% of inland barge traffic passes through the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers at Cairo every year. Add to that rail and three major interstates, and the new port project at Cairo is already on the radar for companies moving container shipments, bulk products, crops, and more. 

(Graphic courtesy of Alexander - Cairo Port District)