Illinois Corn Belt Ports - Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
Wednesday, September 28 at Noon CT
Presented by: Robert Sinkler, Tri-State Corn Belt Ports Executive Coordinating Director; Chris Smith, Corn Belt Ports Director of Operations; Dr. Anshu Singh, Chief of Environmental Services
We are seeing unprecedented investments in our ports and waterways in Illinois, and much of it is going to over 25 riverfront counties in rural areas. In 2020 and 2021, three Top 50 Leading U.S. Ports were federally recognized in the Heart of The Corn Belt. In 2022, the ports inside the lock and dam system saw increased investment from the state and federal governments, and from non-profit organizations, including a historic $1.24 billion for improvements to our locks and dams and waterways in the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill investments also enabled construction to begin on the much awaited $3.9 Billion Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). Increased annual investments are ramping up to $250M per year for the next 15 years, as projected increases in tonnage for moving freight by water with all three Corn Belt Ports will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Come learn from the Corn Belt Port Executive Coordinating team on considerations and implications of this historical investment in Illinois.
If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please send a request to esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
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