Quinn for Illinois

THE SOUTHERN STAFF | Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 12:55 pm

MASSAC COUNTY - Gov. Pat Quinn will visit Metropolis Wednesday to sign into law legislation establishing the Massac Metropolis Port District.

Quinn and local officials will participate in a bill signing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. in the Baymont Theater at 205 E. Front Street, adjacent to Harrah's Hotel. The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, in the House and state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, in the Senate, creates a port district for the Massac County region, including Brookport, Joppa and Metropolis.

Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel said once the port is officially created, a vision for major development along the banks of the Ohio River will begin. Businesses and industries have already begun seeking information about the district, McDaniel added.