By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE
Kaskaskia Regional Port District in Red Bud, Ill. learned this week it will receive a $1.7 million Economic Development Administration grant as part of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s investment in Illinois-based infrastructure improvements needed to support current and future business needs and workforce development in the clean energy sector.
The Kaskaskia EDA grant is part of a total $2.5 million that the Dept. of Commerce is investing in the state of Illinois.
Kaskaskia Regional Port District’s funding will go toward construction of a new laydown space at its KRPD 2 Terminal that will support the movement of equipment and supplies of current industrial park tenants while allowing for future growth.
The project will be matched with $1.2 million in state funds. It is expected to create 50 jobs and generate $20 million in private investment.
In June, KRPD received an $8 million Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act federal grant for two-phase construction project that (with matching state funds of $8 million) will enable the port to double its current capacity to 2 million tons annually. Phase one of the project, which begins in December, consists of a second rail loop to allow products to move in both directions at the same time. Phase two includes construction of a new railyard near the terminal and nearly six miles of upgraded rail track.