Kaskaskia Regional Port District

07/11/2026

The Kaskaskia Regional Port District proudly celebrated the groundbreaking of the KRPD #1 Rail Loop Improvement Project at our New Athens terminal.

This project, funded 100% through the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, represents a major investment in the future of Southern Illinois.

While construction has just begun, the benefits of this investment will be felt for decades to come.

We sincerely thank everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone, including our state and local partners, elected officials, project team, contractors, Board of Directors, and community members. Your support and partnership are helping build a stronger future for Southern Illinois.

06/11/2026

Thank you to the St. Louis Regional Freightway for hosting an outstanding event and highlighting the importance of the Ag Coast of America. Thank you as well to the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois for the invitation.

It was a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, economic development professionals, and transportation partners while discussing the opportunities and challenges facing inland waterways and freight transportation. The Mississippi River remains one of our nation's most important economic corridors, supporting agriculture, manufacturing, and global trade.

05/27/2026

Thank you to Southwestern Illinois Metropolitan & Regional Planning Commission for the opportunity to speak at today’s Annual Meeting.

It was great to share updates on the continued growth of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District, including ongoing infrastructure investments, transportation initiatives, and future economic development opportunities throughout Southwestern Illinois.

Thank you to all the SIMAPC Commissioners who attended the Annual Meeting this morning. It was a great turnout with a great presentation from Kaskaskia Regional Port District, Director Brent Donovan.

03/25/2026

The Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) is actively advancing its commitment to modern, sustainable infrastructure.

KRPD is currently soliciting proposals for the procurement of BABA-compliant battery-electric locomotives, a heavy-duty forklift, and associated charging infrastructure. This investment supports emissions reduction, operational efficiency, and long-term resiliency across our terminal network.

We encourage qualified vendors and partners to review the full Request for Proposals and participate in this opportunity.

View the full RFP and submission details here:
https://www.kaskaskiaport.com/public-notice/procurement-opportunities

03/09/2026

National maritime policy is shining a spotlight on inland ports.

A new America’s Maritime Action Plan is recognizing what the Midwest has long known: Inland ports are essential to America’s supply chain.

With the Mississippi River system at its center, the St. Louis region, and ports like Kaskaskia Regional Port District, play a critical role in connecting Midwest industry to global markets.

America’s Maritime Action Plan creates opportunity for St. Louis region, inland ports By Managing Editor | March 3, 2026 | 0 A view of barge traffic on the Mississippi River at St. Louis. (Provided photo)   By SUSAN TAYLOR, DENNIS WILMSMEYER, CYNDI BUCHHEIT-COURTWAY and BRENT DONOVAN The advancem...

03/04/2026

Eagle Fest is happening this Saturday at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam from 9:00-3:00. If you’re able, make plans to stop by and enjoy this fun community event.

Kaskaskia Eagle Fest is back! Join us March 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam in Modoc, Illinois for a day all about one of winter’s most incredible visitors, the bald eagle.

You’ll be able to:
• Meet live birds from the World Bird Sanctuary
• Watch wildlife presentations by Animology
• Go eagle watching
• Take a lock & dam tour
• Enjoy vendors, kids crafts and activities

It’s a great family day, whether you’re a serious bird watcher or just want an excuse to get outside and explore.

For details: Kaskaskia River Project Office — 618-284-7160

02/11/2026

Built to Carry the Load

New infrastructure at KRPD is now in place—supporting safe, efficient rail operations and long-term growth across our port system.

Huge shout-out to the team and Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. for moving fast and getting it done right.

Also grateful for the outstanding partnership from Volkert, MARAD, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to help make this happen under a tight timeline.

👉 Read the full story on our website https://www.kaskaskiaport.com/about/doza-creek

02/07/2026

🦅 Kaskaskia Eagle Fest is back! 🦅

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 7, 2026 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) at the Jerry F. Costello (Kaskaskia) Lock & Dam in Modoc, IL!

This is an awesome local event celebrating one of the coolest winter visitors we get — the bald eagle 🇺🇸

Kaskaskia Eagle Fest is back! Join us March 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam in Modoc, Illinois for a day all about one of winter’s most incredible visitors, the bald eagle.

You’ll be able to:
• Meet live birds from the World Bird Sanctuary
• Watch wildlife presentations by Animology
• Go eagle watching
• Take a lock & dam tour
• Enjoy vendors, kids crafts and activities

It’s a great family day, whether you’re a serious bird watcher or just want an excuse to get outside and explore.

For details: Kaskaskia River Project Office — 618-284-7160

02/06/2026

Proud to see continued investment in the St. Louis region’s freight and infrastructure network.

At KRPD, we know these improvements support economic development, job growth, and long-term competitiveness.

👏 Great work by the St. Louis Regional Freightway and regional partners.

This article original comes from the Constructions Digest in December 2025 The East-West Gateway Council of Governments recently approved the 2026 Priority Projects List featuring the top infrastructure needs for manufacturing and logistics industries in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. T...