WINNIPEG -- Manitoba is serious about establishing a preeminent transportation hub in Winnipeg and are in business to make it happen.

The provincial government introduced legislation that would create CentrePort Canada, a private-sector focused corporation to develop and promote Manitoba’s inland port and would build on the province’s network of air, rail, sea and trucking routes.

Through the CentrePort Canada Act, the province would designate 20,000 acres of land in the vicinity of the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport for the inland port to serve as a transportation, trade, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and logistics centre; support fast-tracking of investment and economic development decisions based upon a comprehensive land-use plan for the inland port area; develop the inland port area in consultation with landowners, nearby community members as well as port users; and protect the 24-hour operation of the Richardson International Airport.

“CentrePort Canada is an exciting vision we share with Manitoba’s business community, municipal leaders and others who want to build our province,” said Premier Gary Doer. “This will allow us to create jobs, attract investment and take full advantage of our prime location in the heart of North America.”

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Ron Lemieux, who introduced the bill, said work is already underway on a number of initiatives that support Manitoba’s inland port including highway upgrades along highway 75, Manitoba’s key trade route with the U.S.

The 20,000 acres of the inland port are within the City of Winnipeg and the rural municipality of Rosser.