Marquette Transportation Co., Paducah, Ky., announced a $5 million expansion at its McCracken County facility, with plans to add a training center, warehouse, and more office space. The company expects the investment to create up to 55 new jobs, which would boost Marquette’s total Kentucky workforce to over 340 employees. The new roles are expected to include both shoreside and vessel positions.
Founded in 1978, Marquette Transportation operates across 6,000 miles of inland waterways, employing over 1,500 mariners and more than 250 shore-based staff. The company said the expansion further strengthens Paducah’s status as a key hub for the U.S. inland waterway industry.
To support the expansion, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved a 15-year incentive agreement through the Kentucky Business Investment program, offering up to $800,000 in tax incentives based on job and wage targets. A press release from the Office of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear noted Marquette will also have access to workforce training resources, including no-cost recruitment and job-placement services.
“Marquette Transportation is one of the reasons Paducah is known as the Inland Waterway Capital of the United States,” said McCracken County judge Craig Clymer. “It’s rewarding to see a locally based business expanding and creating more opportunities.”
