SPRINGFIELD – The Kaskaskia Port District, an important economic engine in Southern Illinois, could soon apply for vital state grants, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) and passed by the Illinois Senate.
“The Kaskaskia Port District is an important tool for growing the economy of Southern Illinois,” said Schimpf. “This legislation will make sure that they are able to best take advantage of state resources to grow jobs and bring in new businesses and jobs.”
The Kaskaskia Port District previously attempted to apply for a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) development grant but was denied by the agency. DCEO officials said that only local governments or municipalities could apply directly.
Schimpf’s Senate Bill 1825 would allow the port districts to apply directly for grants. The grants are used to support economic development and infrastructure improvements.
The legislation passed the Senate unanimously on March 27th and now heads to the House for consideration in that chamber.
