First, the consultant will update the historical Illinois Marine Transportation System (IMTS) Database or create a new database to provide users with barge, truck, rail, and terminal rates Terminal rates can include unloading or loading fees, rail unloading or loading fees, special handling fees and fleeting charges. The database is needed to collect barge transportation cost information and make it available to users of Illinois ports and terminals. Secondly, it will provide an updated Illinois Public Port District and Water Terminal Directory that includes a system or tool to update contact information. The directory will increase exposure of Illinois public ports and terminals and create a single destination to locate key stakeholders of the IMTS. The third product of this project will be an updated IMTS report that includes the following: public port and public terminal needs, status of lock and dam improvements, IDOT IMTS initiatives, details of the IMTS Historic Database, description of the IMTS directory, updated list and descriptions of public port districts and regional port district authorities, and the status of federal and state funding. Additionally, the report will provide background on the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center’s reporting and the explanation of a single public port district reporting area or a Statistical Reporting Area that represents a combination of several Public Ports. The Report will help users of the IMTS utilize the directory and database. The report will help stakeholders identify initiatives and priorities of the IMTS. The report’s goal is to serve as an additional resource so users can coordinate and collaborate more effectively and to improve the IMTS.
