Port of Chicago

Last updated
Port of Chicago
Port of Chicago
Click on the map for a fullscreen view
Location
Country Flag of the United States.svg United States
Location Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates 41°43′59″N87°31′41″W / 41.733°N 87.528°W / 41.733; -87.528
Details
Opened1959
Executive DirectorClayton Harris III
Statistics
Annual cargo tonnage 894,832
Website
www.iipd.com

The Port of Chicago consists of several major port facilities within the city of Chicago, Illinois, operated by the Illinois International Port District (formerly known as the Chicago Regional Port District). It is a multimodal facility featuring Senator Dan Dougherty Harbor (Lake Calumet), the Iroquois Landing Lakefront Terminus, and Harborside International Golf Center. [1] The central element of the Port District, Calumet Harbor, is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. [2]

Contents

The modern Port of Chicago links inland canal and river systems in the Midwestern United States to the Great Lakes, giving the global shipping market access to the St. Lawrence Seaway and linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Illinois Waterway and the Mississippi River. [3]

History

In 1951, the Illinois General Assembly authorized the creation of port districts in Illinois with the Chicago Regional Port District, to oversee harbor and port development, being the first such port district created. [4] The State of Illinois and City of Chicago had relinquished all rights and interest in the bed of Lake Calumet to the Port District, so as to enable the District to develop Calumet Harbor. [5] The district was given the power to acquire any navigable waters of the state which were within the District area. [5] The constitutionality of the district was challenged in People v. Chicago Regional Port District. The plaintiffs, later the appellants, challenged the district on the grounds that the sale or lease of navigable waters by the State was prohibited and the State did not have the ability to establish special corporations. In 1954, the Illinois Supreme Court rejected the appellants’ claim to possess constitutional standing with respect to the elements claimed as grounds. [5]

In 1985, the Illinois International Port District was created by the Illinois International Port District Act as a political subdivision to run the Port of Chicago. [6]

C.T.C. No. 1

A 620-foot-long cargo hauler brought to the south Chicago ports in 1982. With a capacity of 16,300 tons, this ship was used for storage and transfer of cement until its termination in 2009. The ship hasn't moved since its termination and then purchase by the Grand River Navigation Co., Traverse City, MI. [7]

Port Commerce & Foreign Trade Zone No. 22

Illinois International Port District is responsible for Foreign Trade Zone No. 22. [8] [9] This zone spans 8 counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, and Will Counties as well as portions of McHenry and Kane Counties. Around the Calumet zone the district maintains 20 acres of land for future developments as well as 400,000 square feet of warehouse space. At the mouth of the Calumet River is the Iroquois Landing Lakefront Terminus, this Area is utilized as Shipping container processing and storage space. The terminal currently handles 190 acres (0.77 km2) of paved concrete grounds as well as 3000 feet of boat and barge berths. The Iroquois Terminus is serviced with direct trucking and rail access supported by two transit sheds spanning 100,000 square feet including a 135 railcar staging area. [8] [10] About 6 miles along the Calumet River it feeds into Lake Calumet which contains two grain elevators maintained by the port authority and is reported to have a combined capacity of 14 million bushels, as well as liquid bulk storage of 800,000 barrels.

Governance

The Illinois International Port District Act creates a nine member board. Four members are appointed by the Governor of Illinois with the advice and consent of the Illinois Senate and five members are appointed by the Mayor of Chicago with the advice and consent of the Chicago City Council. [11] The Illinois International Port District is the only port district in Illinois that may not levy taxes. [12] By statute, the Executive Director of the IIPD is a member of the Task Force on the Conservation and Quality of the Great Lakes. [13]

Current board members of IIPD [14] [15]
MembersRoleDate AppointedTerm ExpirationAppointment Authority
Bowen, CharlesMember2/9/20056/1/2019Mayor of Chicago

(Rahm Emanuel)

Edwards, AverilMember8/10/20206/1/2025Governor

(J. B. Pritzker)

Fitzmaurize, TerrenceVice Chair11/13/20076/1/2020Mayor of Chicago

(Rahm Emanuel) [16]

Habel, WilliamMember6/30/20176/1/2022Governor

(Bruce Rauner) [17]

Meltzer-Cassel, DanielleMember11/6/20196/1/2023Mayor of Chicago

(Lori Lightfoot)

Solis, IvanChair11/6/20196/1/2023Mayor of Chicago

(Lori Lightfoot)

Sriraj, P.S.Member8/10/20206/1/2025Governor

(J. B. Pritzker)

Sullivan, TerrenceMember5/11/20156/1/2024Governor

(J. B. Pritzker)

Wisniewski, Henry V.Member7/28/20116/1/2023Mayor of Chicago

(Rahm Emanuel)

Reform efforts and proposals

In 2008, the Chicago Civic Federation proposed the dissolution of the Illinois International Port District. Under their plan, port operations and related lands would transfer to the City of Chicago; transfer of open land to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County; and transfer Harborside International Golf Center to the control of the Chicago Park District. [18]

In July 2013, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn proposed a privatized revitalization of the Port Facilities and District area. Attempting to strike a deal with Private family-owned International Investment and Management company Broe Group. Negotiation for this revitalization ended on the negotiation table without definitive statement. [19] [20]

During the 100th Illinois General Assembly, Elaine Nekritz filed House Bill 2502 which, if signed into law, would have replaced the district’s current governing board with the Chicago City Council. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee and died at the end of the legislative session. [21]

As of 2019, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is studying the District, Its facilities, and the surrounding area to provide a economic solution for the Port to operate out of the negative. [22]

Aerial view of the Port of Chicago; former freighter C.T.C. No. 1 is visible in dock Port of Chicago 2020-08-25.jpg
Aerial view of the Port of Chicago; former freighter C.T.C. No. 1 is visible in dock

Facilities

View of the Illinois international port from the Bishop Ford Freeway. Appears to be an abandoned boat on a loading dock 2014-01-14 15-55.jpg
View of the Illinois international port from the Bishop Ford Freeway.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Michigan</span> One of the Great Lakes of North America

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third-largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron. To the east, its basin is conjoined with that of Lake Huron through the 3+1⁄2-mile (5.6-kilometer) wide, 295-foot deep Straits of Mackinac, giving it the same surface elevation as its easterly counterpart; the two are geologically a single lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gurnee, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Gurnee is a village and, a north suburb of Chicago in Lake County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 30,706 as of the 2020 census. It borders the city of Waukegan, and is a popular tourist attraction within the Chicago metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hammond, Indiana</span> City in Indiana, United States

Hammond is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, and the only city in Indiana to border Chicago. First settled in the mid-19th century, it is one of the oldest cities of northern Lake County. As of the 2020 United States census, it is also the largest in population. The 2020 population was 77,879, replacing Gary as the most populous city in Lake County. From north to south, Hammond runs from Lake Michigan down to the Little Calumet River; from east to west along its southern border, it runs from the Illinois state line to Cline Avenue. The city is traversed by numerous railroads and expressways, including the South Shore Line, Borman Expressway, and Indiana Toll Road. Notable local landmarks include the parkland around Wolf Lake and the Horseshoe Hammond riverboat casino. Part of the Rust Belt, Hammond has been industrial almost from its inception, but is also home to a Purdue University campus and numerous historic districts that showcase the residential and commercial architecture of the early 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calumet River</span> System of rivers and canals in Illinois and Indiana, United States

The Calumet River is a system of heavily industrialized rivers and canals in the region between the south side of Chicago, Illinois, and the city of Gary, Indiana. Historically, the Little Calumet River and the Grand Calumet River were one, the former flowing west from Indiana into Illinois, then turning back east to its mouth at Lake Michigan at Marquette Park in Gary. Now the system is part of the Chicago Area Waterway System and through the use of locks flows away from Lake Michigan to the Cal-Sag Channel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Chicago, Chicago</span> Community area in Chicago

South Chicago, formerly known as Ainsworth, is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago, Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Side, Chicago</span> Community area in Chicago

East Side is one of the 77 official community areas of Chicago, Illinois. It is on the far south side of the city, between the Calumet River and the Illinois-Indiana state line, 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown Chicago. The neighborhood has a park on Lake Michigan, Calumet Park, and a forest, Eggers Grove Forest Preserve. The forest preserve has hiking/walking trails, picnic grounds and birdwatching. It is served by U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 20, and U.S. Highway 41.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riverdale, Chicago</span> Community area in Chicago

Riverdale is one of the 77 official community areas of Chicago, Illinois and is located on the city's far south side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal</span> Canal system connecting the Chicago and Des Plaines rivers in Illinois

The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, historically known as the Chicago Drainage Canal, is a 28-mile-long (45 km) canal system that connects the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River. It reverses the direction of the Main Stem and the South Branch of the Chicago River, which now flows out of Lake Michigan rather than into it. The related Calumet-Saganashkee Channel does the same for the Calumet River a short distance to the south, joining the Chicago canal about halfway along its route to the Des Plaines. The two provide the only navigation for ships between the Great Lakes Waterway and the Mississippi River system.

Northwest Indiana, nicknamed The Region after the Calumet Region, comprises Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Newton counties in Indiana. This region neighbors Lake Michigan and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. According to the 2020 Census, Northwest Indiana has a population of 831,080 and is the state's second largest urban area after the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area. It is also the home of the Indiana Dunes, parts of which have been preserved through conservation efforts. The town of Ogden Dunes houses the Hour Glass, a museum showcasing the ecological and conservation efforts of O. D. Frank.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calumet Park</span> United States historic place

Calumet Park is a 198-acre (79-hectare) park in Chicago, Illinois. It provides access to Lake Michigan from the East Side neighborhood on the city's Southeast Side. The park contains approximately 0.9 miles (1.5 km) of lake frontage from 95th Street to 102nd Street. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Calumet</span>

Lake Calumet is the largest body of water within the city of Chicago. Formerly a shallow, postglacial lake draining into Lake Michigan, it was transformed into an industrial harbor during the 20th century. Parts of the lake have been dredged, and other parts reshaped by landfill. Following the completion of the Cal-Sag Channel in 1922, which reversed the flow of the Calumet River, the lake drains into the Des Plaines River via the channel instead of Lake Michigan.

River Oaks Center is a shopping mall located at the southeast corner of River Oaks Drive and Torrence Avenue in Calumet City, Illinois, a suburb south of Chicago. River Oaks Center is the seventh largest in the Chicago metropolitan area totaling 1,379,824 square feet (128,190 m2). Today, there are over 140 stores and two anchors including JCPenney and Macy's with two vacant anchors last occupied by Carson Pirie Scott and Sears. Namdar Realty Group and Mason Asset Management manages and owns River Oaks Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burnham Park (Chicago)</span> Urban park

Burnham Park is a public park located in Chicago, Illinois. Situated along 6 miles (9.7 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline, the park connects Grant Park at 14th Street to Jackson Park at 56th Street. The 598 acres (242 ha) of parkland is owned and managed by Chicago Park District. It was named for urban planner and architect Daniel Burnham in 1927. Burnham was one of the designers of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

The Indiana Dunes are natural sand dunes occurring at the southern end of Lake Michigan in the American State of Indiana. They are known for their ecological significance. Many conservationists have played a role in preserving parts of the Indiana Dunes. The Hour Glass, a museum in Ogden Dunes, showcases some of the ecological import of the Dunes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Port of Milwaukee</span> Port

The Port of Milwaukee, branded as Port Milwaukee, is a port in the city of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. It primarily serves Southeastern Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northern Illinois. The port owns 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of rail that connect to two Class I railroads outside the port. The port has over 330,000 square feet (31,000 m2) of covered warehouse space, with 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2) of that being heated warehouse space. The port has 50 acres (20 ha) dedicated to dry bulk storage, which includes four domes capable of handling 50,000 tons of storage. Along with this, the port can store 300,000 barrels or 12,600,000 US gallons of bulk liquids. The port keeps a minimum draft of 26 feet (7.9 m), but this can vary due to weather.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand Calumet River</span> River in Illinois, United States

The Grand Calumet River is a 13.0-mile-long (20.9 km) river that flows primarily into Lake Michigan. Originating in Miller Beach in Gary, it flows through the cities of Gary, East Chicago and Hammond, as well as Calumet City and Burnham on the Illinois side. The majority of the river's flow drains into Lake Michigan via the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, sending about 1,500 cubic feet (42 m3) per second of water into the lake. A smaller part of the flow, at the river's western end, enters the Calumet River, and through the Illinois ultimately drains into the Mississippi River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Harbor</span> Harbor system in Chicago

Generally, the Chicago Harbor comprises the public rivers, canals, and lakes within the territorial limits of the City of Chicago and all connecting slips, basins, piers, breakwaters, and permanent structures therein for a distance of three miles from the shore between the extended north and south lines of the city. The greater Chicago Harbor includes portions of the Chicago River, the Calumet River, the Ogden Canal, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Lake Calumet, and Lake Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Harbor Lock</span>

The Chicago Harbor Lock, also known as the Chicago River & Harbor Controlling Works, is a stop lock and dam located within the Chicago Harbor in Chicago, Illinois at the mouth of the Chicago River. It is a component of the Chicago Area Waterway System, and is used to control water diversion from Lake Michigan into the river and for navigation.

Jonathan Carroll is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 57th district. The 57th district, located in the Chicago metropolitan area, includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Wheeling.

References

  1. ↑ "Lake & River | IIPD". www.iipd.com. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  2. ↑ "Calumet Harbor and River". US Army Corps of Engineers . Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  3. ↑ "Port of Chicago". World Port Source. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  4. ↑ Groesch, Lisa; Roberts, Sandra, eds. (March 2003). Legislator's Guide to Local Governments in Illinois: Special Districts (PDF) (Report). Springfield, Illinois: Illinois General Assembly . Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 Sapientiae, Via, ed. (1959). "The Port District: General Considerations of an Important Type of Municipal Corporation, with Emphasis on Illinois Districts". DePaul Law Review . 9 (1): 74–80. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  6. ↑ Holland, William G., ed. (July 1, 2013). "Management Audit of the Illinois International Port District" (PDF). Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Auditor General . Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  7. ↑ "C.T.C. No. 1, Pioneer, Hull No. 3, Steelton". www.boatnerd.com. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  8. 1 2 "Port of Chicago". World Port Source. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  9. ↑ "FTZ 22 Site List". enforcement.trade.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  10. ↑ "Iroquois Landing | IIPD". www.iipd.com. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  11. ↑ "Illinois International Port District Act". Springfield, Illinois: Illinois General Assembly . Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  12. ↑ Bembridge, Kevin; Charles, Jennifer; Cole, Cornette; McCarthy, Natasha; Silva, Mercera (April 25, 2019). Banks, Vecoya (ed.). "Individual State Descriptions 2017 - Illinois" (PDF). 2017 Census of Governments. Suitland, Maryland: United States Census Bureau. pp. 83–92. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  13. ↑ Gruber, Amanda (August 1, 2018). "Task Force on the Conservation and Quality of the Great Lakes". Publication 425: State Board and Commission Descriptions (PDF). Illinois Legislative Research Unit. p. 104. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Boards and Commissions - Board Information". webapps1.chicago.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  15. ↑ "Office of Executive Appointments - Appointments - Boards and Commissions Detail View". www2.illinois.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  16. ↑ "Mayor Rahm Emanuel Announces Appointments to City of Chicago Boards and Commissions". www.chicago.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  17. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of AM1000214". www.ilga.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  18. ↑ Botstein, Clara; Valentine, Lise; Calia, Roland (June 30, 2008). "A Call for the Dissolution and Restructuring of the Illinois International Port District". Chicago Civic Federation . Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Mayor Emanuel, Governor Quinn Announce New Port Authority Managment[sic] Plan to Revitalize Critical Transportation Hub, Providing $500 Million Investment, Creating up to 1,000 New Jobs". www.chicago.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  20. ↑ Karp, Gregory. "Deal to privatize Port of Chicago falls through". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
  21. ↑ Nekritz, Elaine (February 7, 2017). "House Bill 2502 IL International Port District". Illinois General Assembly . Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Illinois International Port District Master Plan - CMAP". www.cmap.illinois.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.