Controversy is brewing in Gallatin County over a proposed State senate bill.
GALLATIN COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL)--- Controversy is brewing in Gallatin County over a proposed State senate bill.
The Bill would give the Shawneetown Regional Port District the right to regulate public or city property within 7-thousand feet of the Ohio River.
A Gallatin County Board member has issues with a state bill sponsored by Senator Dale Fowler.
Warren Rollman says the Bill would give the Shawneetown Regional Port District the right to regulate public or municipal property within 7000 ft of the Ohio River.
"This will allow them to throw out any ordinances or resolutions that the local municipal government has passed," Gallatin County Board member Warren Rollman said.
The Port Districts secretary, Steve Galt, says the Bill has been amended to have old Shawneetown south of Route 13.
"Will not include any of the village property that is north of Illinois Route 13," Galt said.
Galt says it allows them to complete their project.
"We come to an impasse on basically vacating some alleys that were never used," Galt said.
Galt says the port district is interested in these alleyways behind me.
"It's gonna be necessary to build the fertilizer building," Galt said.
We also got a comment from Senator Dale Fowler.
"I am aware of the issues focused around Senate Bill 3654 and the Old Shawneetown Regional Port District," said Senator Fowler. "Because of the issues with this Bill and concerns raised, I've made sure that this Bill will not be called for a vote. My hope is that both the public and private sector can continue to work on some sort of agreement together as this port district will play a critical role for our local economy, workforce, and for our farmers."
Rollman said he would have an issue with the Bill until it's taken off the state's website.
"I want Senator Fowler to completely disavow the Bill, and I want the port board to completely disavow the Bill.
The Port district is meeting tomorrow night in Shawneetown at 6 pm at the Port building in Shawneetown, where many people are expected to discuss the measure.
