Riverport West project to expand shipping capacity in Paducah

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A planned expansion of the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority is expected to add new dock, rail and road infrastructure to support the movement of goods through western Kentucky.

The River Discovery Center recently toured the existing Riverport East facility with Riverport Authority Executive Director Jimmie Garrett and representatives from the WIMOs Association to learn about operations at the port and plans for its expansion.

The planned Riverport West project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant and state matching funds.

Plans call for a 650-foot dock with three barge berths, more than a mile of railroad track with two sidings, a heavy-haul road and about 6.5 acres of operating space.

The project is expected to create 14 jobs, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.

According to the River Discovery Center, the existing port is about 95% full and does not have rail access. Riverport West would provide additional capacity and connect river, road and rail transportation.

The planned facility will also be located near the approximately 800-acre Triple Rail Site and a planned uranium enrichment facility.

Riverport officials say the expansion is intended to increase shipping capacity and support future economic development in western Kentucky.