NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Noranda Aluminum has sold nearly 67 acres within St. Jude's Industrial Park to the New Madrid County Port Authority.

The site is in the farthest northeast section of the industrial park along the Mississippi River and adjacent to the Port Authority.

"The reason for the sale ... was to assist with stimulating economic growth within the area," said Cal Adkins, director of engineering and maintenance and assistant site manager for Noranda-New Madrid.

"The expansion of the existing port will not only help with retaining current companies, but will assist both the city and the County of New Madrid with attracting new companies to the area," Adkins said.

Noranda officials said state Rep. Don Rone initiated and played an integral role in the land sale, which was a collaboration between the New Madrid County Port Authority, the county, the city and Noranda.