January 20 - The Ports of Indiana handled 8.1 million tons (7.3 million tonnes) of cargo in 2011, the largest annual tonnage since 2006.

"Despite continued economic uncertainties, this was the fourth consecutive year our ports experienced growth," saidPorts of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper. "Our 2011 shipments were nearly a million tons (907,184 million tonnes) higher than the five year average. We've also seen a significant increase in capital investments by our port companies as they prepare for future growth. This is a good sign for things to come."

The Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority that operates a system of three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. The mission of the Ports of Indiana is to develop and maintain a world-class port system that operates as an agile, strategically-driven, self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana's economy.

More than 60 companies operate at Indiana's three ports. The Ports of Indiana manages approximately 2,600 acres of property along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan - and has 800 acres available for future development.

www.portsofindiana.com