Formation of Ports of Eastern Iowa Authority is significant milestone for our region

Six Eastern Iowa Counties jointly signed a resolution to form the Ports of Eastern Iowa Authority. The Authority will serve Clinton, Dubuque, Jackson, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott counties, and will operate within the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. This recognition by the federal government highlights the strategic importance of our region, which now ranks as one of the top 100 U.S. ports by freight tonnage. 

“The formation of the Ports of Eastern Iowa Authority is a significant milestone for our region and reflects the vital role that the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois play in both our national defense and our economy,” said Ryan Sempf, Executive Director of Government Affairs for the Quad Cities Chamber. “Our multi-modal ports are not only key to moving critical goods across the country, but are also integral to supporting the U.S. military’s efforts to maintain readiness and strategic capabilities.”

The Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa encompasses key military facilities, including the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Iowa, both of which are served by Marine Highway 35. This region has long been a cornerstone of U.S. defense infrastructure, and today, it continues to operate as the Midwest’s premier hub for defense logistics, manufacturing, engineering and training. The port’s enhanced capacity and federal recognition will further solidify its critical role in supporting national defense and economic security.

Mike Thoms, Chair of the Rock Island Regional Port District remarked, “We are excited about the Ports of Eastern Iowa Authority getting established. It will help unify the current regional multi-modal port activities going on across the Upper Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa. The Rock Island Regional Port District was approved by the Illinois State Legislature last year, and we have already seen the benefits of officially being recognized as a multi-modal inland port. We expect the Ports of Eastern Iowa Authority will see similar benefits. This is a win for the bi-state region.”

As one of the most important economic and defense regions in the Midwest, the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa serve as a lifeline for the state’s economy and play a pivotal role in maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. industries on the global stage. The port provides direct access to national and international markets, supporting a wide range of industries, from agriculture and manufacturing to defense and logistics.

The first organizational meeting of the Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois will be held October 10 at the Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus in Moline. The meeting will be open to the public.