Beshear announces $1.5 million in funding for Kentucky riverports

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced nearly $1.5 million in funding Wednesday for six projects at five of Kentucky’s public riverports, aiming to enhance economic opportunities, efficiency and connectivity for state industries.

The funding, part of the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance program, invests $7.5 million annually to improve riverport facilities and infrastructure.

The latest round of funding supports projects at the following riverports:

Henderson County Riverport Authority: $208,890 to replace a material handler for efficient goods movement.
Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority: $515,075 to increase barge storage capacity from 12 to 18.
Owensboro Riverport Authority: $381,743 to repave and widen the access road serving warehouses.
Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority and Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority: Over $300,000 for material loading upgrades.

“Kentucky’s success relies on investing in safe and efficient infrastructure,” Beshear said. “Strengthening our riverports supports our economy and allows everyone to thrive.”

This is the third round of KPRCM grants announced this fiscal year, following investments of over $5 million in August 2024 and $1 million in January.