Governor JB Pritzker joined state and local leaders Thursday afternoon in Shawneetown to break ground on a new fertilizer distribution center at the Shawneetown Regional Port District along the Ohio River.
The $27 million project, supported by $12.6 million from the governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, is expected to boost regional freight activity, create jobs, and expand economic opportunity in Southern Illinois.
Pritzker said the terminal marks both progress and a return to history.
“Over 200 years ago, Shawneetown was the central hub of commerce in this state and region,” Pritzker said. “At the middle of that activity was the Shawneetown Port, booming with goods heading up and down the Ohio River. With this investment, we’re building a new future while honoring that past.”
The governor emphasized that the port’s new facility will provide much-needed relief for farmers facing rising costs.
“This project will cut costs for our farmers and help them feed the U.S. and the world from right here at this port,” he said.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie, an Eldorado native, grew emotional as she reflected on the struggles of the region and said the project represents new hope for local families.
Patrick Scates, president of SGI River Terminals, said the facility could be operating within a year.
“We’ll be moving fertilizer for farmers and regional retailers,” Scates said. “Most of the fertilizer leaving here—probably 75 percent—will go straight to the field. With our high-speed blending system, we’ll be able to save farmers money, and Lord knows they need it.”
Funding for the project comes from Rebuild Illinois, a $33.2 billion capital program passed in 2019 to modernize Illinois’ transportation system. The initiative is the first in state history to invest in all modes of transportation, including waterways.
Additional funding includes $400,000 from IDOT’s Illinois Competitive Freight Program, which will support construction of a new main entrance road to reduce truck bottlenecks and make Shawneetown more competitive with neighboring Ohio River ports in Indiana and Kentucky.
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