Cairo needs to raise $1 million to continue progress on their port project.

The Cairo Port Authority would use the funds for permitting and design costs.

It could take up to two years to complete the permitting and design process.

Once that’s finished, contracts can be made with companies interested in using the port, which could then be used to acquire additional funding.

Senator Dale Fowler says he’s hoping for a line item in this year’s budget to specifically allocate the money.

The authority has received nearly 20 letters of interest from businesses that’ve expressed interest in using the port.