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U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian Witnesses
Firsthand Economic Growth At River’s Edge
Maritime Official Cites Land Transfer As Setting Stage for Growth of the
Tri-City Regional Port and the Local Economy
GRANITE CITY, Ill -- U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian toured
the Tri-City Regional Port District today to see first hand how the Port
district and local economy have directly benefited from the development of the
River’s Edge property that was transferred to the port from the U.S. Maritime
Administration.
The Maritime Administration arranged for the transfer of the land, formerly
known as the Charles Melvin Price Support Center, to the Port District in 2002.
Prior to the land transfer there were only ten port district tenant companies
and now the Tri City Regional Port has over 60 companies leasing property.
Additionally, there are over 400 people employed at River’s Edge and it is
estimated that an additional 700 will be hired in the future.
“The numbers speak clearly of the success and growth that has occurred right
here at the Tri-City Regional Port and River’s Edge since this land was
transferred,” said Jamian. “The land transfer has been the spark for success and
growth at the port. This is another outstanding example of how the U.S.
Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration work directly with
local communities to help move the American economy forward.”
The 500-plus acre parcel of land was originally part of the Charles Melvin Price
Support Center, a U.S. Army facility that was closed through the base closure
process. The Port sought this transfer to expand their below-lock operations and
increase the movement of goods from the port to the lower Mississippi. The land
was transferred to the Tri-City Regional Port through the Maritime
Administration’s Port Conveyance Program. The development of this property will
be completed in four phases.
During his tour, Jamian noted that the land transfer has allowed for the
increase in the movement of goods from the Port District to the lower
Mississippi. Furthermore, the transfer has directly supported additional rail,
roadways, infrastructure, new facilities and facility expansions allowing for
cost-effective growth in the Port’s material handling capacity
The port is minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri and offers direct access
to the Mississippi River, barge, rail, and highway transportation. The location
ensures transportation services to all parts of the United States and the world.
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