SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Michael Jacobs (D – Moline) was signed into law this week creating the Upper Mississippi River Port District.

Senate Bill 1784creates a Port District for Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. This will provide the district with rights to construct, operate, and maintain port, harbor, water, and land facilities. It also permits the district to enter into any agreement or contract with any airport for the use of its facilities, as well as develop, expand, and construct those facilities as necessary.

"By setting up the port district, we are making it easier for the ports and harbors to manage and take part in business more readily," Jacobs said. "This will improve the trade of goods and services to and from our area, while keeping up with infrastructure and technology."

The governing and administrative body of the district will be a Board of Commissioners consisting of five members, all residents of the district: one appointed by the governor and four chosen by each of the counties’ board chairs.

"I am confident in the success it will bring to our ports and harbor facilities," Jacobs said, "not to mention the vast number of jobs these expansion or improvement projects will create. Improving business and putting people to work are two of my consistent goals as a legislator and I am grateful to the governor for signing this bill."