Shawnee Port Commission

The Shawneetown Port Commission, officially known as the Shawneetown Regional Port District, is a rapidly developing inland river port located on the Ohio River at Mile 853 in southern Illinois. Leveraging its strategic position near rich agricultural lands in both southern Illinois and western Kentucky, the port plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of bulk commodities such as grain, fertilizer, salt, and aggregates. Recent investments, including a $10 million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant, are funding vital infrastructure upgrades like a new port access road and the creation of a comprehensive port master plan. The site is historically significant for its proximity to major transportation routes and has ambitions to become a key multimodal hub; plans include rehabilitating rail access and expanding intermodal capabilities. The port is vital for local and regional economies, offering new opportunities for agricultural producers and industries. Its ongoing expansion and public-private partnerships underscore its growing significance as a key node on the inland waterway system for Midwestern markets.