Gov. Beshear announces nearly $2.3 million to improve Kentucky’s Public Riverports
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Andy Beshear announced nearly $2.3 million in funding to strengthen Kentucky’s public riverports, supporting eight projects at six ports aimed at improving safety, efficiency and economic growth.
The awards are funded through the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance program, which invests $7.5 million annually in riverport infrastructure. This round of grants is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
“Kentucky’s riverports are critical economic engines that connect us to national and global markets,” Beshear said. “These awards invest in port efficiency with new equipment and expanded operations to help our businesses compete and grow.”
Among the recipients, the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority received two awards totaling $730,000 to replace a deteriorating scale house and a fertilizer conveyor system. The Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority was awarded nearly $460,000 to modernize an aging building to support expanded boat-repair operations.
The Hickman Fulton County Riverport Authority received nearly $354,000 to purchase and install a new barge-moving system, while the Henderson County Riverport Authority will receive more than $320,000 to replace a mobile conveyor with a new electric material handler.
Additional awards include $250,000 to the Western Kentucky Regional Riverport Authority to develop a new 19-acre inland riverport at Fort Jefferson and more than $200,000 to the Owensboro Riverport Authority to purchase a new yard tractor and forklift.
KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said the investments will strengthen freight movement across the state. “These enhancements are vital for commercial and industrial users who rely on strong and efficient riverports,” Gray said.
This is the final round of awards from the program before the next state budget is set. To date, the Beshear administration has awarded $12.7 million for 17 projects through the initiative.
