Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt toured the Norfolk Southern Railroad facility and America’s Central Port in Granite City on April 14. The visit provided an opportunity to observe operations at one of the Midwest’s largest freight hubs.
The port, developed by Illinois in 1959, has played a key role in transporting goods such as grain, fertilizer, steel, petroleum, and other commodities using river, rail, and road connections. Multiple manufacturers and industrial operations are based at the site.
Schmidt said seeing everyone working to keep the port operating was impressive: “The tour and watching everyone working to keep this Port operating was pretty amazing to see firsthand!”
Norfolk Southern has been moving goods that power the U.S. economy since 1827. America’s Central Port continues to serve as a major link for regional commerce.
Schmidt, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 114th House District, replacing previous state representative LaToya Greenwood according to Ballotpedia.
More information about America’s Central Port is available on their website.
