Port Project Steaming Right Along
Positioned along the Missouri River at the heart of the state, there’s no denying Jefferson City is located in one of the most scenic parts of our state. While the river provides an excellent view, it can also provide a lot more. Right now, members of our community are working to fully utilize our prime location along the Missouri River through a project intended to be a boon for businesses and residents alike.
Last year, the Heartland Port Authority Board was established to oversee the creation of a port along the banks of Jefferson City. This project makes a lot of sense. After all, the river could potentially serve as a valuable shipping lane, helping connect businesses and others with supplies and resources at a lower cost than traditional shipping methods. Affordable shipping, coupled with increased economic activity, could reap major benefits for our community.
Already, this dedicated group has taken some important steps toward making the port a reality. Early in July, the Heartland Port Authority Board was approved for a grant through the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority. This grant will go toward feasibilities studies, marketing studies and planning and development, which will give us a better sense of how to best utilize the port. Meanwhile, the Heartland Port Authority Board has also applied for a federal grant through the US Department of Agriculture for additional funding in order to meet certain port site requirements.
Ultimately, I believe the creation of a port right here in Jefferson City could provide an important avenue for Jefferson City’s continued economic growth. I’ve sponsored legislation in the past that would assist in the creation of a port, by transferring state land to Jefferson City. While the legislation didn’t make it all the way through the legislative process this year, I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it to the governor’s desk next year. I’m happy to lend my support to a project this important to our community’s future.
Lastly, I would like to say a few words about longtime News Tribune reporter Bob Watson, who recently passed away. I got to know Bob over the years as I served in the General Assembly. He was always an honest and fair reporter and above all, a good man. He certainly will be missed in the halls of the Missouri State Capitol.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.