SEMO Port Authority could receive state funding boost

The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority could receive a major boost to its capital improvement plans if lawmakers approve a budget request from Gov. Matt Blunt.

At the annual Governor's Conference on Agriculture, Blunt proposed spending $4 million at five state port authorities, including $721,558 for dock improvements and dike construction at the SEMO Port. The construction would upgrade the port's infrastructure to serve the needs of existing industries and meet the demands for increased rail traffic, according to a news release from Blunt's office.

Blunt is also proposing to spend $650,000 at the New Madrid County Port Authority to extend a rail spur to the dock to ease barge-to-rail transfers and to extend the rail spur to the north side of the harbor.

For more information, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Wednesday's Southeast Missourian.