ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Department of Commerce will release $1.7 million to support an effort to improve trade between St. Louis and China.
Missouri Sens. Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill said Thursday they hope the effort will increase export opportunities and lead to new jobs in the Midwest.
The federal aid will help fund planning and infrastructure assistance for the project.
China's ambassador to the U.S. was in St. Louis on Monday to announce formation of the Midwest China Hub Commission.
The plan includes using Lambert Airport in St. Louis and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport at nearby Mascoutah, Ill., as cargo and freight hubs that would benefit the entire Midwest.