Bi-State Development

established in 1949 through an interstate compact between missouri and illinois, ratified by the u.s. congress and signed by president harry s. truman in 1950, bi-state development was created to serve and enrich the region. fulfilling that mission, our rich history includes planning interstate highways, operating a power plant, and reducing pollution in the mississippi river. we have the longest-standing partnership with the national parks service, and made possible the trams that take you to the top of the gateway arch. today, bi-state development continues to be a dynamic and multi-faceted resource for economic development in the st. louis region. we are leaders in public transit – world renowned for our reliability and efficiency. our st. louis downtown airport and its surrounding business park deliver nearly $600 million in economic impact to southern illinois. what’s more, last year leaders chose us to run a regional freight district; coordinating with industry and government t