SPRINGFIELD, IL- Earlier today, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a new piece of legislation that creates the Massac – Metropolis Port District. Illinois State Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) was the chief sponsor of the new bill and believes it will create numerous job opportunities and promote major economic development throughout Southern Illinois.

"Unemployment in Southern Illinois has reached some of the highest levels in recent memory," State Senator Forby said. "This type of job-creating legislation is exactly what our state needs to help boost our economy. The port district will need employees to construct and operate the facilities and will create a new global outlet for local resources, like coal."

The piece of legislation, Senate Bill 2106, gives the Massac – Metropolis Port District the authority to manage both a river port on the Ohio River and an airport in Massac County. The district will also have the ability to borrow money from banks and financial institutions and issue bonds to construct and maintain the facilities in Southern Illinois.

The port district will be managed by a board of seven members that will oversee construction, operation, and maintenance of the facilities. The mayors of Metropolis, Joppa and Brookport will appoint one member each to the board, and the other four appointments will be made by the governor.