93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Jefferson City’s river port plan is sailing forward. The preliminary paperwork is due to go before the state Highways and Transportation Commission on September 5th.
Chamber of Commerce President Randy Allen says a river port is another way to grow Jefferson City’s economy.
“A river port is one of those things we’re trying to leverage. Leverage that resource in addition to the rail and the road. And hopefully create a magnet for new business and industry in our community.”
The plan would split the cost of building the port between the city, Cole County, Callaway County and the federal government.
Ports are the on-ramps to the Missouri River, so say the leaders of the Jefferson City chamber of Commerce. Chamber chairman Bill Plank says a port in Jefferson City is something the area needs.
“It’s a replicatable process that has prove that it works. What it does is it opens up the world to central Missouri.”
Plank says there are ports and businesses up and down the river, and Jefferson City could be missing out.
