ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW PORT DIRECTOR SCHEDULED FOR TODAY

SCOTT CITY - The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority Board of Commissioners will name an executive director today.

The announcement will be made at 10 a.m. at the port office. Allan Maki, who served as executive director for four-and-a-half years, submitted his resignation March 8.

At 9:30 a.m., U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond will have a press conference at the port to outline some of his concerns about President Clinton's economic program.

In particular, Bond will focus on the proposed energy taxes that will drive up the costs of using the river to ship products.

Several port commissioners have expressed concern about the tax proposal, fearing that it will reduce usage of river transportation.

The new port director was chosen from three people who were interviewed two weeks ago by the board of directors.

Mysie Keene, chairman of the board, said the commissioners are pleased with their choice of a new executive director. Initially, the board had intended to conduct an extensive search but after interviewing some early candidates decided to hire someone right away.

The director announced today will begin his duties immediately.

In his resignation announcement, Maki cited conflicts with some board members and contended that some port commissioners were trying to micro manage the port rather than focus on general policy areas.