The Saint Paul Port Authority is an economic development agency that expands the City’s tax base, serves as a conduit to quality job opportunities, advances sustainable and equitable development, and advocates for river commerce.
History
The Minnesota Legislature established the Saint Paul Port Authority as a non-profit governmental agency in 1929 to manage the Saint Paul Harbor. In 1932, the City of Saint Paul transferred Barge Terminal One to the Saint Paul Port Authority. Barge Terminal Two was added in 1960, followed by Red Rock and Southport in 1964. All four ports continue to be managed by the Saint Paul Port Authority, stimulating the local economy through good paying jobs and property tax revenue.
In 1955, the Legislature authorized the Port to engage in economic development activities inland. Our first redevelopment project, Riverview Business Center, was built in 1962. Since then, 16 more inland business centers have been developed, contributing to approximately 25,000 good paying jobs in the City of Saint Paul.
Governance
The Saint Paul Port Authority is managed by a 7-member Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Saint Paul to six-year terms. Two members of the Saint Paul City Council sit on the Board.
The organization also follows guidelines set forth in Minnesota State Statutes.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=469&view=chapter#stat.469.084
Funding
The Saint Paul Port Authority receives funding from a number of sources including grants from Capital City Properties, interest income from loan products, fees billed for services, and Saint Paul tax levies.