FRANKFORT, Ky. — Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $5.7 million Team Kentucky investment in 15 public riverport projects, four of which are in the Local 6 region.
These projects aim to enhance industry and support future expansion of the state’s waterways economy. “Kentucky’s riverports move billions in freight each year,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “With this investment, we’re reinforcing our position as a central logistics hub for the nation.”
At the beginning of 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly allocated — and the governor approved — $15 million for the next two years for the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance grant. The Kentucky Riverport Improvement program provides additional grant support.
In this latest round of funding, projects were reviewed by the Water Transportation Advisory Board, which in turn recommended the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet approve $5,175,801 for 10 KPRCM projects and $500,000 for five KRI projects.
According to the governor’s office, approved grants must be used to improve riverport facilities and infrastructure for new construction and major replacement or repair projects, including but not limited to the improvement of docks, wharves, equipment, port buildings, storage facilities, roads and railroads to facilitate the flow of commerce through the port, other onsite improvements and related professional services.
The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority’s Barge Cell Revitalization-Phase II Project received $500,000 while the authority’s Fertilizer Conveyor System Replacement Project received $250,000 and the Mobile Crane Project received $96,000.
The Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority’s Conveyor Upgrade & Replacement Project received $750,000.
“This investment is about more than replacing outdated equipment, paving roads and upgrading ports,” said Beshear. “It’s about driving industry growth, creating good-paying jobs and keeping Kentucky’s transportation network ahead of the curve.”
