To be referred to the Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Illinois General Assembly authorized the creation of port districts in the State of Illinois in 1951, with the Port of Chicago as the first such port to be created, and would eventually become the Illinois International Port District ("IIPD"); and
WHEREAS, the IIPD has historical served as one ofthe most significant ports in North America, including as the second most significant port in the Great Lakes region; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD is responsible for Foreign Trade Zone No. 22, a federally-mandated trade area spanning 8 counties in Illinois, and lies in or near the 9th and 10th Wards ofthe City of Chicago, with land, rail, and sea access to destinations foreign and domestic; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD was created by the State of Illinois to be an engine of economic stimulus for the region, garnering an estimated $1.2 billion in personal income, business revenue, state and federal taxes; and
WHEREAS, in the previous four years, the IIPD reduced its debt by over 61%, while revenue was increased by 22%, despite the decline of business and manufacturing in surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD has engaged in a Master Plan, which was the first of its kind to be included in the State of Illinois' capital bill; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD has embarked on its first capital project since 1981, the Butler Drive Rehabilitation project, which utilizes an estimated $11 million in state funding, and over $3 million in TIF funding from the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD has been without an Executive Director since October 23, 2020, which was shortly followed by the Executive Assistant; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD is governed by a nine member Board, which includes five members appointed by the Mayor of Chicago with the advice and consent ofthe Chicago City Council; and
WHEREAS, the IIPD lies within the jurisdiction ofthe City of Chicago, receives significant funding from the City budg...
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