Mississippi

Ports along the Mississippi River unified: How it impacts central Illinois

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2024

Ports along the Mississippi River unified: How it impacts central Illinois

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Ten states, including Illinois, signed a cooperative endeavor agreement which some believe will lead to further economic growth.

The agreement unifies both the inland ports of the Mississippi River as well as its coastal ports in the South.

Robert Sinkler is the Executive Coordinating Director of the Corn Belt Ports, the inland ports in the Midwest. He said this agreement is the first of its kind for Mississippi River ports, as previously there was no unification.

“We’ve never had that kind of port system recognized before and we’ve never really worked closely together between the ports,” he said.

There is a local impact as well. The Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative is a coalition of several municipalities on the Illinois River, spearheaded by Peoria Mayor Rita Ali and East Peoria Mayor John Kahl.

Brackish water creeping up the Mississippi River may threaten Louisiana’s drinking supply

Anshu Singh is the project manager for the initiative, and spoke about why the group is being formed.

“This will bring the mayors together, to align their priorities with their local port, so that they can influence the investment decisions and also attract much-needed attention to the Illinois River basin,” she said.

Municipalities such as Havana, Henry, and Morris have joined the coalition. It’s sponsored by the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission, which Singh says is just now receiving federal recognition.

“It’s trying to build up the influence to get more investment into the region,” she said.

Sinkler believes the initiative on the Illinois River, along with the multi-state effort for the Mississippi River, will be big economic development tools.

“We can work together to increase economic activity, and we can serve as a development engine from one end of the Mississippi River to the other,” he said.

With more than 100 million tons of freight shipped through the region each year, Sinkler is optimistic that global markets can be tapped into.

“This recognition will increase the profile and actually help us attract more investment from a wide variety of sources,” he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.

Source link

Click to comment

Mississippi

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

Published

12 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.

The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.

Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.

Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.

NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.

The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.

Source link

Mississippi

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Published

2 days ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Ole Miss is working to eventually flip Mississippi State cornerback commit Brandon Allen Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.). Ahead of a packed spring travel schedule, visiting multiple programs, Allen speaks on his current recruitment with Rebels247.com.

Source link

Mississippi

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Staff
| Mississippi Clarion Ledger

A Mississippi wood products manufacturer is investing nearly $5 million in an expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling’s project is expected to create 10 new jobs in Wiggins.
The expansion includes a new treatment plant and an additional 20 acres for storage.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2026.

A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.

Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.

The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.

“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”

Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.

The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.

The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.

Stone County is also contributing to the project.

The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.

The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.

Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.

The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.

This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

Source link