Legislation signed into law sets path for a fish processing plant to open in Alexander County
The final legislative hurdle in bringing a Kentucky-based fish processing company to Southern Illinois was accomplished late last week with the signing of Senate Bill 1068, filed by State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).
The new law seeks to bring an economic boost to Alexander County and will allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to sell a parcel of land adjacent to Fort Defiance State Park to Two Rivers Fisheries.
The sale, contingent on the appraised value, would include .73 acres of property and an unused toll house. Two Rivers Fisheries plans on converting the building into a Copi (Asian carp) fish processing facility employing roughly 20 employees with possible expansion.
“This is a great day for Southern Illinois and my continued efforts to bring economic opportunity to the people of this region,” said Sen. Fowler. “I’m thrilled that Two Rivers Fishery sees the potential this part of the state has to offer. Sitting at the confluence of both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, it’s the perfect location for them to be able to utilize our waterways for their operation, which will ultimately decrease the carp population that can be very invasive to native fish.”
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to expand our operation here in Southern Illinois and thank Sen. Fowler for his work and diligence on seeing this legislation through so that we can invest in Southern Illinois.” said Angie Yu, Two Rivers Fisheries. “Two Rivers’ mission is reduce, reuse, and redefine Asian carp (Copi) by industrializing it along the Mississippi River. The purchase of this building will allow us to set up a processing line to produce value-added items such as fish meatballs, fish dumplings, and much more. Not only will we promote Copi products and open the domestic market, but we also look forward to creating local jobs and cleaning up the region’s water system.”
Pending the appraisal agreement and sale of property, the IDNR Director has 60 days to ensure a quitclaim deed conveying the land will be recorded with the Alexander County Recorder’s Office.