Port terminal would attract new industry
Read more: Local, State, Community, Keokuk, River, Port, Terminal, Mississippi
Keokuk, Ia - The city of Keokuk is working towards building a world class river port terminal on the banks of the Mississippi.
Mayor David Gudgel says it's no secret barge traffic is still the most economical way to transport goods.
And he says it's also a great way to attract businesses.
River terminals to dock and load barges are a magnet for value added industry and investment.
That's why he and other city officials are working to gather funds from the state, city, county and federal government to build a port terminal on the 77 acres now called Ferro-Sil.
Gudgel says he'd like Keokuk to be a gateway to Iowa from the South.
Mayor David Gudgel said, "We are the most North point on the Mississippi for barge traffic to be conducted throughout the year. With that said, we have assets in Keokuk we truly haven't tapped. The Lord isn't making any more shoreline and it is a last vestige of shoreline that our city truly cannot afford to not utilize."
Gudgel says a port terminal would not only help attract businesses, but also would help retain other industries already calling Keokuk home.
