LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH

This bill creates the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission to oversee and coordinate port activities across specific regions in northern Illinois, including districts in Seneca, Ottawa, and other counties. The new nine-member commission will be appointed by local port district chairpersons and planning organizations to serve without pay, with duties that include synchronizing regional efforts, making policy recommendations, and requesting funding for infrastructure projects. The commission has the power to manage various waterway facilities and enter into agreements with government entities but cannot control existing port districts unless they voluntarily agree to do so.