The Port Authority in 2009 moved closer to redeveloping a portion of its Southport River Terminal to accommodate the operations of Upper River Services, a barge-moving service, in a greener, more energy-efficient location. The Port is constructing a dock wall on the north side of the Southport slip on the West Side, as well as a state-of-the-art storm-water management system, including rain gardens and wetland restoration nearby.

The relocation of the barge-transit company Upper River Services out of the downtown area to this new location, is better for the environment and we believe, will help ensure the long-term viability of river shipping in the Port of Saint Paul for many years to come.

“Without expanding the development area of Southport we are moving barge-moving services, Upper River Services, into the terminal creating a higher density use that will be more focused on river shipping,” Kelly Warden, Port assistant vice president of property development.

Partners in this project included the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Transportation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Saint Paul and a variety of environmental groups and concerned citizens.