EARLY PORT TONNAGE FIGURES ARE ENCOURAGING

SCOTT CITY -- After far surpassing previous tonnage records in 1993, the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority has started the new year where it left off.

In January, net tonnage for the port authority was 30,454, which is the third highest single month total in the port's history.

"We had a great month of January even though there were some adverse weather conditions to contend with," said Mysie Keene, chairman of the port's board of commissioners Monday.

The only months with a higher tonnage were June of last year, with 37,488 tons, and last November, when 36,700 tons were moved through the port.

In 1993, the port's total tonnage was 259,338, a 250 percent increase over the 1992 total of 74,129 tons.

During the public session of Monday's monthly board meeting, the port commissioners handled routine business items. Most of the agenda was devoted to updates on the status of various projects.

Executive Director Dan Overbey reported that a draft environmental assessment had been filed by the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission for the extension of Nash Road.

"It looks like the environmental side of the project is moving along," said Overbey.

Eventually, a public hearing will be needed before final environmental permits can be given state and federal agencies.

Overbey also told the board that acquisition of a railroad line was proceeding on schedule. The acquisition could be finished this spring.

Another project that is nearing completion is the paving of the public dock.

"The dock paving should be done by next week and the only thing left on that project will be some asphalt work around the parameter, which will be done in the spring," said Overbey.

During the open session, the board did not discuss ongoing efforts to have a riverboat gambling operation at the port. Casino Magic has an option to lease that expires at the end of April.

If voters in Scott City approve gambling in the April election, it is possible that the port board might work with city officials to have a portion of the port annexed to accommodate a development by Casino Magic.