ABOUT US History Leadership EEO & Diversity History Having been an integral part of hundreds of regional growth success stories since our inception, Bi-State Development stands tall – and alone – as the embodiment of “the process behind the progress” in our region. 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. Timeline