September 20, 2024 By Waterways Journal

The Illinois Waterways Ports Commission (IWPC) has announced the formation of the Illinois River Cities & Towns Initiative (IRCTI).

IRCTI is a coalition of more than 12 mayor-led cities and towns along the Illinois River that will serve as a unified and independent voice advocating for the economic, environmental and political interests of the Illinois River region.

The initiative’s goals include working to secure significant state and federal grant funding and appropriations for cities alog the river and championing a comprehensive ecosystem restoration and sustainability program. IRCTI also plans to work closely with similar groups, including the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.

Brenda Stadsholt, mayor of Havana, Ill., said, “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’s port, for example, handles 2.5 million tons of freight each year and is around the 100th largest port in the United States 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.”

Travis McGlasson, IWPC chair, said, “The Illinois Waterway Ports Commission is pleased to sponsor the formation of the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative as the first tributary organization associated with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative. This will help increase funding and other opportunities for our communities on the Illinois River.”

Anshu Singh, IRCTI project manager and IWPC’s director of sustainability, said, “Being sandwiched in between the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), 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.”