Improving communication and advocacy are the main goals for the newly elected Chairman of the Mid-America Port Commission.

Blake Roderick of Pittsfield, Illinois tells Brownfield he will prioritize in-person meetings with legislators, county boards and other stakeholders in the region.

“Now that we’re seeing some movement, especially on Illinois and the Mississippi rivers, to get some of the lock and dams upgraded to 1200 feet, we want to continue to be a strong advocate of that.”

He says environmental regulations are another area of concern.

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