Ottawa Port District Gets Go Ahead

There’s one less bill sitting on Governor Pat Quinn’s desk waiting for his signature.

Quinn House Bill 1617 on Tuesday which establishes the Ottawa Port District.  Mayor Bob Eschbach says the district will help promote economic development and new job creation, especially with companies wanting to use the Illinois River for transportation.  The port district allows the city to apply for grants that are available only to cities with port districts.  La Salle-Peru and Seneca also have port districts.

The next step in setting up the port district is to select a Board of Directors.  Eschbach can appoint three members with the governor picking the other four.  Board members must live in Ottawa.

The port district board can’t collect property taxes unless voters say they can with a referendum.