JEFFERSON CITY — Yesterday (4-10), Sen. Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City, brought forth Senate Bill 257 for a vote to gain the Senate’s initial approval.

“Clay County and the people of the 17th Senatorial District deserve the chance to make the most of each economic opportunity available,” said Sen. Silvey. “It is time to move forward and take up the tools we have at our disposal.”

The Port Improvement District was created in order to encourage private investment in industrial areas and promote both the volume of business and the potential establishment of a foreign trade zone within the district boundaries. SB 257 would modify certain aspects of the original Port Improvement District Act, amending several definitions, including “consent,” relating to the written approval of the creation of a district.

“The concepts we are working with aren’t exactly new,” Sen. Silvey said. “However, I feel it is time to move forward with the prospective expansion of business opportunity. Local citizens and our economy deserve no less.”

The measure will require one more affirmative vote by the full Senate before it can be sent to the House for similar consideration. That vote could occur today before the Senate adjourns for the weekend.

To follow any of Sen. Silvey’s sponsored legislation, please visit his official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/silvey.