Western KY public riverport projects get state funding

(KBSI) – Sixteen Kentucky public riverport projects will get $5.5 million state investment to enhance economic activity and support future expansion.

The grants will fund dredging, mooring and warehouse repairs, port equipment purchases and other needs.

Seven of the grants will go to projects in western Kentucky.

Three of the 2025 Kentucky Public Riverport Construction & Maintenance Awards go to projects in western Kentucky.

• $481,900 to the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority for a Mooring Dock Cell Repair Project. The total cost for the project is $550,000.
• $268,100 to Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority for a Volvo l90H2 Wheeled Loader Project. The total cost for the project is $305,100.
• $750,000 to the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority for a Barge Cell Revitalization Project. The total cost for the project is $750,000.

Four of the 2025 Kentucky Riverport Improvement Awards will go to riverport authorities in western Kentucky.

• $65,376 award to the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority for a dock dredging project. The project cost is $81,720.
• $19,600 to the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority for spreader bar and coil hook project. The project cost is $24,500.
• $28,240 to Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority for a 48-foot flabed trailer project. The project cost is $35,300.
• $46,055 to Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority for a Bobcat S650 skid steer project. The project cost is %57,569.

The Kentucky General Assembly allocated and Gov. Andy Beshear approved $15 million for the next two years for the newly created Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) grant at the beginning of 2024.

To date, more than $5 million has been awarded for eight projects. Additionally, $500,000 was awarded through the Kentucky Riverport Improvement grant for eight projects. The investment will provide funding to maintain current operations and improve current facilities and infrastructure.

“Kentucky is a national leader in logistics, and our riverports are responsible for moving billions of dollars worth of freight,” said Gov. Beshear. “This investment is the first step and we’re just getting started. Each round of approved projects is critical to expanding capacity and doing more business, which means more money stays here in Kentucky.”

The Water Transportation Advisory Board reviewed the projects and recommended the eight KPRCM projects and eight KRI projects for approval from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

“An investment in our transportation infrastructure is an investment in our economy and in every Kentuckian’s quality of life,” said Secretary Jim Gray. “Our waterways are a vital mode of transportation for the efficient transport of goods, which also reduces wear and tear from vehicle travel on our roadways each year.”

The fund is designed to provide financial support for projects for 10 public riverports currently in the state.

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 on-site improvements and related professional services.

Eligible projects do not include routine operations, maintenance or repair activities.