New Madrid County Ports acquires land from Noranda Aluminum

NEW MADRID - The New Madrid County Port Authority now has some much needed room for expansion.

On Thursday, Noranda Aluminum officially announced the sale of nearly 67 acres within St. Jude's Industrial Park to the New Madrid County Port Authority. The site is located in the furthest northeast section of the industrial park along the Mississippi River and adjacent to the Port Authority.

"The reason for the sale of the property to the New Madrid County Port Authority was to assist with stimulating economic growth within the area," said Cal Adkins, director of engineering and maintenance and assistant site manager for Noranda-New Madrid. "The expansion of the existing port will not only help with retaining current companies, but will assist both the city and the County of New Madrid with attracting new companies to the area."

Noranda officials noted Missouri State Rep. Don Rone initiated and played an integral role in the land sale, which was a collaboration of the New Madrid County Port Authority, the county, the city and Noranda.

"I was excited to work with Noranda and the New Madrid County Port Authority to organize the details of this land sale," Rone said. "Noranda and the Port Authority have been a vital part of Southeast Missouri for many years."

Rone added he was pleased the groups partnered together to create the opportunity for additional jobs and economic development in the region.

"This sale opens the door for additional industry to locate in Southeast Missouri, which is critical for our area to succeed and thrive," he said.

According to Timmie Lynn Hunter, director of the New Madrid County Port Authority, the additional land is very much needed. She said the Port has had to turn away those interested in locating at the site because of lack of space.

The Port, which currently is home to Riceland, CPS and Agrium, includes 80 acres located around the slack water harbor. Hunter pointed out the additional space could also be used should one of the current tenants want to expand.

A capital improvement matching grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation enabled the Port to purchase the land, she said. Although first the land will need to be elevated to above the 100-year flood stage, Hunter noted infrastructure such as sewer and water are easily accessible to the site as well as the Port's railroad spur.

"A lot of people helped get this (sale) done. We are very grateful for their help," Hunter said. "This much needed land will help the whole area as we continue to work to bring jobs to the Bootheel."