There is a push to create an official Mississippi River port for communities in and around the Quad Cities. Former Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Bob Sinkler is leading the charge to get 15 counties in Illinois and Iowa, from Keokuk to Dubuque, to sign-on to the proposal. Ten counties already have, including the Mercer County Board in December. They heard from Denise Bulat of the Bi-State Regional Commission, which is also involved in the effort.
Sinkler says becoming an officially recognized port will help western Illinois and eastern Iowa snag millions of dollars from the federal government for riverfront improvements or investments. If the port becomes a reality, it would be the 68th largest port in America.