Governor Blunt signs bill to help port authorities

State Rep. Terry Swinger, D-Caruthersville, right, and the Pemiscot County Port Authority President Duane Michie who is also the chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. [Click to enlarge]

The New Madrid and Pemiscot Port authorities received som good news Monday. Governor Blunt signed the appropriation House Bill 2023 Monday giving more money to the port authorities. Originallythe governor had proposed $650,000 for the New Madrid County Port Authority and $1,866,000 for the Pemiscot County Port Authority. Those amounts were amended to $1,150, 000 and $3,066,000 respectively.

State Rep. Terry Swinger, D-Carutherville, had worked very hard on getting these amounts raised and expressed his pleasure with the General Assembly suport for the Missouri Ports.

"The Port authorities are very important for our area for economic development," Swinger said. "With two interstates and a river, we have a natural area for development of commerce. Industry is attracted to both ports. This money will also allow the Pemiscot Port to complete their rail spur."

"House Bill 2023 had great bi-partisan support. Senator Rob Mayer in the Senate and Rep. Terry Swinger in the House were significant help in getting this passed," Duane Miche, president of the Pemiscot County Port Authority said. "The Assembly came together and saw a need and that it needed funding. It was a great effort across the board."

David Madison, executive director of the Pemiscot County Port Authority said "I am very pleased that the General Assembly appropriated the $6.5 million for infrastructure projects at Missouri Public Ports. I am pleased Governor Blunt is signing appropriation bill 2023 today to make funds available for construction projects."