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Every Monday at 6:42 a.m. and 8:42 a.m., Rob Gilligan provides information on what's happening in the area of regional development in Southeast Missouri. Rob is the President and CEO of the Cape Chamber. Local support for "Let's Talk Business" is provided by Carved + Crafted Catering. (573) 651-2569

Let's Talk Business: The SEMO Port

Cape Chamber

What started as in idea in 1975 has become a valuable tool in the area’s economic development infrastructure.

The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority is located in Scott City on the Cape Girardeau County / Scott County line. A cornerstone of the Port’s development came in 1985 when more than 70% of voters in the two counties approved a one quarter cent sales tax that sunset in 1990.

The slackwater harbor was completed in 1989 and the general cargo dock followed in 1990. Both Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads serve the Port. In addition, the Semo Port Railroad provides local switching services for inbound, outbound, and in-plant movements tailored to each customer’s needs.

Products handled at the Port are numerous and include coal, corn, soybeans, crude oil, fertilizers, and military equipment. These products are received from, or shipped to, 37 states and more than 30 countries around the world.

Many tons of these products are received or shipped representing multiple millions of dollars. This is truly an economic driver for the area.

The SEMO Port is currently pursuing a loop tracks terminal. This would give the Port the capability to handle trainload volumes of products to and from barges. It would provide efficient transfer of different kinds of products for multiple customers through a public terminal. The result would be even greater relevance and a higher economic impact.

If you haven’t been to the SEMO Port lately, I invite you to drive down and take a look.

John Mehner is the former President and CEO of the Cape Chamber.
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