Iowa House of

Representatives

For Immediate Release                                           For More Information:

Wednesday, April 13, 2005                                    Rep. Nathan Reichert

 515-281-3221,

Iowa House Unanimously Adopts Port Authority Bill

Des Moines --   Local governments would have a new way to join together to create and operated port facilities under legislation co-sponsored by Representative Nathan Reichert (D-Muscatine) and adopted unanimously today by the Iowa House of Representatives.

“The passage of the port authority bill will help grow Muscatine’s economy,” said Representative Reichert.  “There are opportunities along the Mississippi River and throughout Southeast Iowa that hinge on having this tool at our disposal.”

“Muscatine has long been know as a Port City, now we can formalize that with a powerful trade tool.  Through this port authority we can bring together river, road, air and rail to help grow our economy, creating jobs and increasing access to goods and services.”

Representative Reichert was joined in sponsoring this legislation by a bipartisan group of seven House members, including Representatives Dennis Cohoon (D-Burlington), and Phil Wise(D-Keokuk). The bill now goes to the Iowa Senate.

With House File 835, the ability to create and operate inter-modal transportation and warehousing facilities is not limited to communities on a navigable river.

-30-