Kentucky awards 16 port project grants

On August 26, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced $5.5 million in state investment in 16 Kentucky public riverport projects. A press release from Gov. Beshear noted that all projects are designed to enhance the ports’ economic activity and support future expansion. The grants will fund dredging, mooring and warehouse repairs, port equipment purchases and other needs, as part of Team Kentucky’s investment in the state’s waterways economy, the statement said.

At the beginning of 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly allocated, and Gov. Beshear approved $15 million for the next two years to the newly created Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) grant. To date, more than $5 million has been awarded for eight projects. Additionally, $500,000 was awarded through the Kentucky Riverport Improvement (KRI) 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,” Beshear said in a news release. “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.” 

Projects were reviewed by the Water Transportation Advisory Board, which recommended the projects for approval from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

“An investment in our transportation infrastructure is an investment in our economy and in every Kentuckians’ quality of life,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “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.”

 Approved grants must be used to improve riverfront facilities and infrastructure for new construction and major replacement or repair projects. Eligible projects do not include routine operations, maintenance or repair activities. Kentucky has 10 public riverports.

 The following projects were awarded KPRCM grants:

• Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority, awarded $750,000. Total dolphin installation project cost is $1,498,905. 

• Henderson County Riverport Authority, awarded $750,000. Total electric material handler project cost is $2,000,000. 

• Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority, awarded $481,900. Total mooring dock cell repair project cost is $550,000. 

• Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority, awarded $268,100. Total Volvo L90H2 wheeled loader project cost is $305,100.

• Louisville-Jefferson County Riverport Authority, awarded $700,000. Total gantry crane rehab project cost is $700,000.

• Maysville-Mason County Port Authority, awarded $622,522. Total riverport equipment purchase project cost is $622,522. 

• Owensboro Riverport Authority, awarded $750,000. Total warehouse 10 project cost is $1,063,954. 

• Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority, $750,000. Total barge cell revitalization project cost $750,000. 

The following KRI grants included:

• Henderson County Riverport Authority, $27,413, 12,000-pound forklift project

• Henderson County Riverport Authority, $95,360, 15,000-pound forklift project

• Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority, $65,376, dock dredging project

• Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority, $19,600, spreader bar and coil hooks project

• Louisville-Jefferson County Riverport Authority, $65,207, Caterpillar 225 skid steer project

• Owensboro Riverport Authority, $244,398, low road loadout project

• Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority, $28,240, 48-foot flatbed trailer project

• Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority, $46,055, Bobcat S650 skid steer project