PORT BOARD PROCEEDS WITH PROJECTS FUNDED BY GRANT

SCOTT CITY - The next six months will be busy for officials of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority as they seek to get projects started that will be funded by a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration grant.

Ten days ago Vice President Dan Quayle announced the grant while on a campaign swing through the area. A 40 percent local match is required with the funds.

Port Executive Director Allan Maki told the port Board of Commissioners Monday that all projects to be funded by the grant need to be under contract before funds can be received.

"I anticipate it will take about six months to do that," explained Maki.

In the meantime, the port can use the grant to secure loans for initial expenses with the projects.

The grant will be used to complete the final phase of construction of a railroad spur, to purchase a branch rail line from Union Pacific Railroad, for improvements in the water system and dock, and increased loading capacity for the dock.

Maki announced that advertising for bids on the final phase of the rail spur will start immediately; bids will be opened on Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. at the port office in Scott City.

On Monday the board authorized the final payment due for the first phase of construction for the rail spur to CWR Construction Co. of Little Rock.

Maki thanked the port tenants and prospective tenants for their commitment to provide jobs to the area, which was essential in getting approval of the EDA grant.

He said the grant shows "we have not only local and regional but also national support for our efforts."

In September, 15,009 tons of products were moved through the public dock, making it the third highest month of 1992. So far this year total tonnage is 105,919 tons.