- City of Cairo is a vital shipping location at confluence of Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
- Location of historic sites such as Fort Defiance Park in Cairo.
- Largest population percentage of Black residents in region.
- Centrally located -just under 250,000 people within 35-mile radius of Cairo.
- Other investment incentives: Enterprise Zone (in Cairo), TIF District (in Cairo), and Empowerment Zone.
Alexander County
Important Assets
Top Industries (Private Sector)
2018
- Health Care and Social Assistance: 203 Employees
- Transportation and Warehousing: 195 Employees
- Manufacturing: 161 Employees
Total Private Sector Employment (All Industries): 911 Employees
By the Numbers
Population
6776
Poverty Rate
33.4%
cairo opportunity zone
Alexander County: Cairo Port District Development
The Assets
- Located at confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, two of the busiest shipping waterways in the US.
- Easy access to rail (Canadian National) and major roadways (I 57, I 55, I 24).
- Just under 250,000 people located within a 35 mile radius of Cairo.
- $40 million in committed state funding to construct new river port terminals and other infrastructure improvements.
- Potential for new jobs for local residents in historically Black community.
The Opportunity
- Invest in new port terminal development.
- Invest in relocation of existing companies from other locations to new Cairo port district.