Cairo to be studied for transportation hub

CAIRO, Ill. -- Even in the 1800s, Cairo's boosters touted it as a place ideally suited as a way station for goods headed up and down the two major rivers that form its western and southern boundaries.

And soon, $100,000 worth of economic development grants will pay for a study to determine if a modern facility to ease the movement of goods between railroads, highways and rivers could find a home in Cairo and garner enough business to be justified.

The Cairo City Council on Wednesday received four proposals from companies competing to make the study, which is being paid jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agency for Rural Development and the Southern Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone. The council will rate the proposals and choose a contractor, who must also win approval from the USDA.

The grant and study are just a first step, Mayor Judson Childs said. "I am thankful to have it. When we start talking about jobs in Cairo, I get kind of excited."

The request for proposals was sent out in February, asking firms if they could study and report on the potential demand for "intermodal services," the markets Southern Illinois is positioned to serve, the types of facilities and infrastructure needed to support the demand and regulatory, site, engineering and construction issues.

The USDA chose Cairo as the location for the study because it is highly qualified with available port facilities, rail and an interstate, said Donna Raynalds, executive director of SIDEZ. She asked the council to proceed quickly, because the grants for the study will expire June 22 if no contractor is chosen by that time.

Representatives of two businesses that would use any new facility for moving goods from one mode of transportation to the other both told the council they fully support the move to make the study.

Bill Capie represents Clean Coal Technology Inc., a company that has been making contracts for possible land purchases for a coal gasification plant north of Cairo. He said the company, based in Louisville, Ky., will soon move beyond talking to seeking construction and environmental permits while it works to secure financing for the $3 billion refinery.

"Up-to-date facilities will be very helpful to our needs," Capie said. "We would be happy to participate in the study so they understand the impact we could have on the area."

The council meets again Tuesday but may not be ready to decide that night. Councilwoman Linda Jackson said a decision in early June, in time to meet the deadline on the grant, is more realistic. "It is a step in the right direction," she said "It can't hurt us. It can only help us."

rkeller@semissourian.com

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