ALTON

• USALN
• Latitude: 38.8853
• Longitude: -90.1788
• Inland, USA
• Marina in US

Location: US

Alton, a city located in Madison County, Illinois, is situated along the Mississippi River, making its port a notable point of interest. While it might not be classified as a major marine port like those in larger coastal cities, Alton has significance due to its strategic position on the river, facilitating various forms of riverine commerce and transportation.

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Alton, Illinois, USA

1. Geographic Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 38.8906° N, 90.1843° W
   • River: Mississippi River

2. Port Characteristics:

   • Type: Inland river port
   • Operational Authority: Generally managed by local port or harbor authorities, often in conjunction with city governance and regional bodies.
   • Accessibility: Situated along the central part of the Mississippi River, accessible by various riverine vessels.

3. Facilities:

   • Berths and Docks: Several docking facilities suitable for different types of river traffic, including barges and smaller cargo vessels.
   • Cargo Handling: Equipment available for the handling of bulk goods, particularly agricultural products, raw materials, and other region-specific commodities.
   • Storage: Warehousing facilities for temporary storage of goods, likely seasonal crops, and materials used or produced by local industries.

4. Transportation Links:

   • Road Connectivity: Well-connected to major highways and local roads facilitating the movement of goods to and from the port.
   • Rail Links: Likely to have connections to nearby railroads for further distribution of cargo.
   • Airports: The closest major airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport, located in St. Louis, Missouri, approximately 20 miles southeast of Alton.

5. Economic Impact:

   • Local Industry Support: The port supports various local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
   • Regional Commerce: Plays a role in regional trade, particularly serving as a conduit for goods moving in and out of the midwestern United States.

6. Special Features:

   • Locks and Dams: Proximity to key Mississippi River locks and dams, assisting in the management of river traffic and water levels.
   • Tourism: Known for its scenic river views, the port area may also attract tourism, contributing to the local economy.

7. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations:

   • Environmental Protection: Subject to state and federal environmental regulations, particularly those governing waterways and wetlands.
   • Security: Compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security mandates for port security and safety.

Summary

The port of Alton in Illinois primarily functions as an inland river port leveraging its location along the Mississippi River. It serves regional trade and industry, with facilities to handle various types of cargo predominantly carried by riverine vessels. As an interface between river and land logistics networks, it plays a vital role in the local economy, though its scale and influence are relatively modest compared to major ocean ports.