U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Monday announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the creation of three Corn Belt statistical area designations that include ports in his home state of Illinois, a move that will make it easier for the ports to attract business and investment, grow the local economy, and create new jobs.
“Federal approval of the Corn Belt Ports is great news for our rural communities in central and west-central Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “Access to inland waterways is critical to the economic viability of our communities and allows small businesses, farmers and manufacturers to export commodities around the world.”
The Corps will designate the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, the Mid-America Port, and the Illinois Waterways Ports and Terminals as the Corn Belt Port Statistical Areas (PSAs).
“Establishing the Corn Belt Ports as a statistical area in western Illinois and eastern Iowa will facilitate greater regional coordination that will raise the region’s global profile and bolster economic development,” Rep. LaHood said. “I am proud that this bipartisan effort will strengthen economic opportunities along waterways in the Tri-State Region.”
In September, Rep. LaHood, along with U.S. Reps. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Dave Loebsack (D-IA), sent a bipartisan letter to the Corps requesting expedited approval of a local request to improve economic opportunity at Illinois and Iowa ports along the Mississippi River.
The purpose of creating the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Port Statistical Area is to highlight the importance of the region in transporting goods, according to Rep. LaHood’s office, as well as the importance of investing in inland waterway infrastructure.
“I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for reviewing our request and quickly granting it,” said Rep. Finkenauer. “This designation from the Corps will mean an economic boost for Iowa, especially in Dubuque and Jackson Counties.”