Tri-City Regional Port District: 1959-2009

HISTORY

The Vision

In the late 1940s, the US Army Corps of Engineers undertook the largest civil works construction project of its time in the construction of the Chain of Rocks Canal and Locks and Dam #27. The Corps of Engineers had determined years earlier that the creation of the Canal, an 8-mile long, straight stretch of navigable waterway, would be more cost effective than the constant dredging of the main Mississippi River channel.

The Canal, and its southern termination point at Locks and Dam #27, would provide a year-round channel for navigation for all river vessels, including barges and small pleasure craft. Development of the Canal included the creation of a one-mile long notch into the east bank of the Canal just north of the Lock and Dam, for the eventual parking of barges and transloading of products.

The harbor included a 1,000 lineal ft. steel wharf constructed by the Bi-State Development Agency in 1954. The northern half of the wharf was later leased to Granite City Steel and the southern half to Granite City Terminals Company. Integral to the development of the Canal and wharf facilities, was the construction of a new levee on both banks designed to withstand a flood that would occur once every 500 years.

Completion of the construction activities in 1952 created a life-changing opportunity for the local community. Two men in particular understood the potential for a new business opportunity, and led the effort to create a local port district. Randall Robertson, a local attorney of Lueders & Robertson, researched the subject, and crafted the Tri-City Port’s authorizing legislation based, in great part, on the legislation of the Port of New York/New Jersey and the Port of Chicago

State Representative, 53rd District, Lloyd “Curly” Harris sponsored and championed the enabling legislation entitled the Tri-City Regional Port District Act that would create the Port District. The Act was approved by Governor William G. Stratton on April 1, 1959, creating an organization to promote economic development utilizing the waterway system.

The vision of Robertson and Harris, in particular, to see the great economic development opportunity that access to the US inland waterway and world markets provided, and the dedication and wisdom to implement the idea through legislation, was the driving force of the Port’s establishment and beginnings. Carl Ranft, the first Board Chairman, also played a key role in the initial establishment and early development of the Port District through his committed leadership, driven passion and early vision of the Port.

The legislation created a political subdivision, body politic and municipal corporation of the State of Illinois to serve the four southwestern townships in Madison County, Illinois (Nameoki, Venice, Chouteau and Granite City) and the three incorporated communities therein. The legislation created many powers for the Port including the right to issue bonds, the power of eminent domain, the right to levy a tax with approval of a majority of the residents within the territory, and the right to operate airports.

The language was far-reaching and broad enough to encompass many of the issues which would arise over the next 50 years and beyond. Integral to the Port’s creation was the inclusion of a seven-member board of commissioners to set policy and determine the ultimate direction of the Port. The board would be comprised of the mayors of the three cities, or their appointees, and four additional local residents, appointed by the governor of Illinois. Each of these positions, according to the legislation, would be unpaid.

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