JEFFERSON CITY—The General Assembly gave final approval to House Bill 2018, a budget measure that contains $7.4 million for Missouri’s ports, more than recommended by the governor. The extra funds will bolster the state’s extensive port system and allow it to move into the 21st Century of global shipping.
Sen. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial, advocated for the extra funding for Missouri’s port system.
“Missouri ports are one of our state’s greatest assets. They provide a low-cost, environmentally sound way to transport goods to market,” said Sen. Wieland. “As we enter into a new age of global economics, our ports will play a critical role in exporting Missouri products across the world. I’m glad my colleagues recognized the importance of our ports and moved to increase their funding.”
Senator Wieland has long supported Missouri’s port system. In addition to fighting for increased revenue for ports in the budget, he’s sponsoring legislation that would create a dedicated funding source for the state’s port authorities.
Senate Bill 861 would allow ports to create advanced industrial manufacturing zones for the purpose of establishing a dedicated funding source for port improvement and development. Additionally, the bill creates tax incentives for entities that utilize Missouri port authorities. The deductions would be administered by the Department of Economic Development. The legislation awaits a final vote in the House.