Initiative will be advocate for needs of Illinois River communities
View SourceA new coalition is intended to give the Illinois River region a louder voice in advocating for the area’s economic, environmental and political interests at the state and national levels.
The Illinois Waterways Ports Commission — one of four rural, inland ports that comprise the Corn Belt Ports — has formed the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative, a coalition of 12 river communities led by mayors, according to Corn Belt Ports.
The initiative will let member communities “collaborate on critical issues impacting the Illinois River watershed, which is home to 46% of Illinois' agricultural production, covers 44% of the state's land area, and supports 90% of the state's population,” according to Corn Belt Ports.
The goal is to attract jobs, foster sustainable economies and protect the environment — starting with the Illinois River.
The coalition will work with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and others to advocate for Illinois River communities by seeking state and federal grants and appropriations to ensure communities along the Illinois River have the necessary resources for infrastructure, the environment and the economy.
It also will work toward “a comprehensive ecosystem restoration and sustainability program for the entire Illinois River, working to advance the natural beauty and environmental health of the waterway, according to Corn Belt Ports.
"Although our river cities and towns along the Illinois Waterway may be modest in size, their impact on the regional and national economy is profound,” Havana Mayor Brenda Stadsholt said. “Havana’s port, for example, handles 2.5 million tons of freight each year and is around the 100th largest port in the U.S. based on freight tonnage. We are thrilled to join the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative, as it will amplify the voices of our small communities along the Illinois River corridor."
"Just as Chicago has led the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and St. Louis has championed the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, I believe it is crucial for Illinois River communities to have a strong, unified influence at the national level,” Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said.
"The creation of the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative will further strengthen and unify the identity of Illinois river cities and towns,” East Peoria Mayor John Kahl. “It will enhance collaboration among our communities, enabling us to address shared challenges more effectively, and help grow our regional, river-based economy."
The Illinois Waterway Ports Commission will sponsor the initiative as a tributary organization of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative. By aligning, the initiatives will increase opportunities for funding and collaboration, leveraging national resources for the benefit of Illinois River cities and towns.
“We are always stronger together,” said Anshu Singh, Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative project manager and director of sustainability for the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission. “Being sandwiched in between the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, we in many ways have lost our unique Illinois River voice. IRCTI will help us regain that voice and enable us to work in partnership with the Great Lakes and Mississippi River communities to advance the goals of our Illinois River communities.”