Deb Barnett, executive director for Southern Illinois Now, and Nick Goldenhausen, regional development lead, presented a proposal to the Union County Board to support creation of a Southern Illinois Regional Ports Commission that would represent ports across 11 counties and coordinate regional economic development efforts.

Barnett told the board the proposed commission would be an umbrella body that would not change the authority, boundaries or status of existing state‑designated port districts but would elevate the region’s visibility for public and private investment. The presenters said the proposal would require state legislation for formal establishment and pointed to two existing Illinois examples: the Mid‑America Port Commission (1990s) and the Illinois Waterways Ports Commission (established in 2023).

The presentation summarized an Illinois Department of Transportation report (March 2021) used to illustrate tonnage and activity in the four existing river port districts in the region; presenters said combined tonnage from the region’s ports approaches levels that could move the collective ranking nearer the top 50 U.S. ports and potentially attract more investment.

Barnett described a proposed seven‑member commission board composed of representatives from existing port districts and additional appointees from regional planning commissions. She said several counties have already passed supporting resolutions (presenters listed Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Pope, Johnson and Williamson among those that had taken action), and that the presenters are meeting county boards this month to seek additional support.

County commissioners asked procedural questions, including whether the sample resolution would commit county resources; Barnett emphasized the sample resolution states it would not commit county funds or staff. Commissioners asked county legal staff to review the sample resolution before the board considers formal action.

No formal board vote was taken at the meeting; presenters said legislation has been drafted and will move through the legislative process if counties express support.