Heart of Illinois Regional Port District

The Heart of Illinois Regional Port District, branded as TransPORT, is a crucial multimodal transportation and logistics hub located in Central Illinois, covering Peoria, Fulton, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties, as well as most of Mason County. Serving as the northernmost point on the Illinois River with year-round access, TransPORT is strategically positioned within one of the nation's most productive agricultural regions, moving large volumes of commodities such as corn, soybeans, food products, chemicals, and fertilizer. The port is part of the Corn Belt Ports—the largest designated inland port area in the United States—and channels more than 13 million tons of cargo annually, directly serving Peoria's metropolitan area as well as regional rural communities. It leverages multimodal connectivity, including an extensive rail network with five Class I railroads, access to major highways, and barge terminals, enabling companies to efficiently reach domestic and international markets. The district is also part of Foreign-Trade Zone #114, offering customs benefits for international shipping. Recent regional investments, such as the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission Act and infrastructure funding, have expanded its role as a central logistics platform within the Midwest.