A new designation for the Port of Huntington Tri-State makes this Ohio River area the largest inland port in the United States.

Saturday, November 04, 2000

A new designation for the Port of Huntington Tri-State makes this Ohio River area the largest inland port in the United States.

It’s bigger than the Pittsburgh, Pa., port.

It’s bigger than the Miami, Fla., port.

And, it’s the sixth largest overall port in United States – expanded from 14 miles of waterway to 199 miles.

That’s quite a bit of clout to throw into one river but it will be well worth it, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials say.

For example, the port now includes mile after mile of the Ohio, Big Sandy and Kanawha rivers. Those rivers allow shipping of 80 million tons of materials and goods each year.

Now, more industries will pay attention to our port’s size and statistics, meaning more chances for economic development because large shipping routes attract industry.

New companies will see the statistics, the shipping reports. They will come here.

It may not be tomorrow, but it’s only a matter of time.

We have another feather in our industrial recruiting caps that, once applied, will mean new opportunities for everyone.

It could not have come at a better time.