In the heartland of America, where the mighty Mississippi River weaves its way through fertile bottomland and limestone bluffs casting a shadow from the hills above, the success story of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) unfolds. This thriving hub has transformed the region's economic landscape, showing how a commitment to growth and a willingness to evolve can pave the way for prosperity.
“KRPD has an almost 60-year track record of development. Through those years the port has had both highs and lows. Early success centered on coal, but the closure of multiple coal mines in the area resulted in a drastic reduction in the amount of cargo being shipped,” explained KRPD general manager Ed Weilbacher.
With less cargo, there were calls to shut down the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, which provides a navigation pool on the Kaskaskia River just upstream of its mouth with the Mississippi. Thankfully, a group rallied in support of the river, working to educate the public and elected officials of the value the Kaskaskia River has to the region. Enter a new era marked by visionary leadership and a business community that recognizes the potential of the Kaskaskia River.
“Diversified businesses began to look to the river as a very cost-effective method to ship bulk commodities and specialized goods, Weilbacher said. “The river moved from a single source of cargo, coal, to a diverse mix of commodities that today includes grain, fertilizer, coiled steel, slag, scrubber stone, fly ash, gypsum, and other commodities.”
KRPD operates multiple terminals on both the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. In addition to the waterways, KRPD has existing infrastructure with access to two Class I (CN and UP) railroads and a road network that supports shipping and receiving. The Material Works, the Midwest's leading toll processor of flat rolled steel and metals, is one of the companies that has found great success along the Kaskaskia River.
“KRPD and TMW have worked together closely since the late 1990's as we prepared to build our new plant which opened January 2000. For the past twenty-five years, KRPD has provided TMW with outstanding support including very critical truck, barge, and rail transportation for TMW Plant #1 and Plant #2,” explained TMW president, Kevin Voges.
Today, KRPD is aggressive in supporting local companies, ensuring they have the resources necessary to expand and grow. New businesses are also pursued when the needs of the company match the assets of the region and port. The results speak for themselves. Job opportunities have multiplied, as businesses thrive on the port's enhanced capabilities. The ripple effect has reached beyond the river, benefiting a spectrum of industries, from agriculture to manufacturing, and there’s more growth in store for KRPD in the near future.
Look for a more in-depth article on KRPD and other Southern Illinois ports in the upcoming issue of the NOW! Magazine coming out this spring.