NEW PORT FACILITY: WELCOME ADDITION

Last week's announcement that a $3.4 million facility will be built at the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority is welcome news. Consolidated Grain & Barge Co. will construct the new facility, which will include a grain elevator, a barge facility and a 350,000-bushel concrete storage bin. Officials say there will be eight employees at first. Company officials believe that number could double or triple in the first year of operation, which will begin in late 1996 or 1997.

Consolidated becomes the fourth long-term lease the port authority has signed. Others include Girardeau Stevedores, First Missouri Terminal and Midwest Agri-Chemical Co. With the multimillion-dollar Nash Road project under way to provide direct interstate access, there is every reason to expect more such announcements in the future. The port holds the promise of being a major economic asset for Southeast Missouri. It is great to see port commissioners and the hardworking port staff following through on commitments to deliver on that promise. Our congratulations on last week's announcement. May it portend much more to come.