SEMO Port Authority gears up for North Tracks grand opening

Members of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority discussed the grand opening of the 2014 North Tracks during their monthly meeting Monday. That event will take place at 11 a.m. today in Scott City.

The North Tracks project was funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation's Waterways program and the Delta Regional Authority.

Jackie Prater, an accountant at SEMO Port, said three tracks were added to SEMO Milling LLC in Scott City. The company already had one track, but to accommodate its growing business SEMO Port added tracks for more railcars to be used at once.

Prater said construction began in January and finished at the end of May.

The grand opening will have speakers from MoDOT and the Delta Regional Authority, followed by a light lunch at the SEMO Port office on Bill Bess Drive. Prater expects about 50 people to attend.

Other matters discussed at Monday's meeting included a funding allocation for one of the port's engineers, as well as plans to begin paving River Road in Scott City.

Many of the projects SEMO Port has in the works right now are on hold for lack of funding. Prater said Gov. Jay Nixon has to approve certain grants so progress can be made on several items.

The company is looking for a grant or local funding to pave the 300 feet of River Road.

The next meeting will take place Aug. 11.

For questions about attending today's North Tracks ceremony, call Prater at 264-4045.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

North Tracks on SEMO Port Railroad, Scott City, Mo.