Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to create the Alexander-Cairo Port District. The bill is effective immediately and was sponsored by Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) and Representative Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg). The law creates the Alexander-Cairo Port District and gives the board the authority to oversee, operate, and maintain port-related facilities and export trade companies within the boundaries of the district.

Pledging his support to the residents of Alexander County, thanked the citizens for their dedication to the area and recognized leaders in the community, including SCC President Dr. Larry Peterson. He went on to say, “I Believe in Community Colleges.” The Shawnee Community College district is also home to the Massac-Metropolis Port District, which Governor Quinn signed into law last year.