Description: Illinois Public Port District Profiles from the 2021 Illinois Marine Transportation System Plan: https://idot.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idot/documents/transportation-system/reports/opp/marine/imts_plan_3_port_districts_combined_final.pdfPort districts are an important part of Illinois’ waterway system. They are a special-purpose unit of local government created by the Illinois General Assembly to support and facilitate use of the waterways for the transport of goods. As of 2020, there are a total of 20 public port districts in existence in the state. Their goal is to encourage the use of the waterways to transport goods, provide for economies of scale, effectively move goods, and provide economic development and job creation within their districts. While the main intent is to encourage the use of the waterways, a few districts promote airport activities and have little to do with waterways. The geographic size of each district can vary, from covering the limits of a single municipality to covering multiple counties. Each district is governed by a board of directors that consists of appointees by the governor and the local government(s) each district encompasses. Each port district is unique, faces different challenges, and uses different approaches to encouraging waterway use. Several port districts own and lease property. They support their tenants by improving rail, road, and waterway infrastructure for cooperative use. These ports districts reinvest their revenue into the port to maintain state of good repair, attract more businesses and continue growth. Additionally, there are many port districts which do not own or operate any property, most of which are actively looking for development opportunities.
Copyright Text: IDOT Marine Transportation Program Planning Specialist, Bureau of Planning