Committee reviews Midwest Barge Terminal engineering findings; committee to explore port grants and leases

LaSalle County Finance Committee members discussed a recent engineering report for the Midwest Barge Terminal on Aug. 12 and agreed to seek additional information — including potential port district grant funding and lease terms — before committing to full engineering or construction work.

Finance Chair Doug Treggor and other members reviewed an engineering report that estimated significant work, including repairs to docking structures ("dolphins"). Committee members flagged the project cost (reported in the meeting as roughly $284,000 for initial work with possible small adjustments) relative to current revenues from the terminal. Finance staff reported combined rental and tonnage income of about $31,001.95 to date and a projected year‑end trending toward roughly $42,000 if current trends continue.

Committee member Loretta and others questioned the financial prudence of investing substantial capital in a facility that generates modest annual revenue, noting break‑even horizons could extend multiple years. Committee members asked staff to contact port districts and related entities to determine whether grant funds or port authority partnerships could reduce local costs. Committee members also discussed whether selling or leasing county property might be an option but noted county policy historically retains ownership of potentially strategic land.

The committee agreed to wait for the detailed bid packet and to return when additional funding possibilities or engineering clarifications are available. No final procurement or construction vote was taken at the Aug. 12 meeting.