June 24, 2020

Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $1 Million for River Transportation Improvements in the Metro-East

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $1,268,800 in federal funding to America's Central Port, located in Granite City, IL, and one of the largest freight hubs in the Midwest, to support the purchase of a 275-ton crane, the installation of 18 cameras and a Container Tilter to help increase container-on barge movement and support a strong heritage of river transportation. This funding is part of America’s Marine Highway Grant and comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Maritime Administration.

“This federal funding to America’s Central Port will help support economic development in Granite City and throughout the Metro East,” Duckworth said. “I will continue working with Senator Durbin to secure investments that help us rebuild our state’s infrastructure and give Illinois a competitive edge.”

“America’s Central Port is integral to the Metro East’s economy and the nation’s freight transportation network,” Durbin said. “The equipment purchased with this federal funding will support economic growth in and around Granite City. Senator Duckworth and I will continue to fight for these federal infrastructure investments.”

"We are extremely thankful to the Maritime Administration for their consideration of this project, and to U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth's and Dick Durbin’s offices for their full support," said Dennis Wilmsmeyer, executive director of America's Central Port District. "The grant funds will allow the Port and its harbor operator, SCF Lewis and Clark, to be efficient in the handling of containers and other commodities.  The equipment will be a great addition to the Port's operations."