WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that a federal Economic Development Administration grant in the amount of $1,867,500 will be awarded for capital improvements at SEMO Port, which suffered flood damage in 2008.  SEMO Port will provide a 25 percent local match of $622,500.

“Some major improvements can be made to the port with this grant.  Railroad work at the port, filling slopes where erosion has caused slides, construction of new rail spur tracks, and above-flood-level railcar storage will all be addressed in this project,” Emerson said.  “The result should be a port that better serves customers and continues to provide a valuable access point to our local economy.”

The Economic Development Administration operates under the authority of the U.S. Department of Commerce.