Riverport funding includes Fulton and Paducah
Press release
Governor Beshear Announces Funding for Riverport ImprovementsFive riverports awarded $500,000 in grants for critical repairs, equipmentFRANKFORT, Ky. (July 15, 2021) - Gov. Andy Beshear today announced $500,000 in awards for critical repairs and equipment replacement at five Kentucky riverports. The funding is in the form of grants to be matched by the authorities that operate the riverports, which are at Paducah, Eddyville, Hickman, Owensboro and Louisville. "From roads to riverports, quality transportation systems are vital to support a thriving economy," said Gov. Beshear. "This investment in our riverports will improve operations to move cargo more efficiently and safely." The awards, recommended by the Kentucky Water Transportation Advisory Board and administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, will fund five projects at the following five riverports: Owensboro Riverport Authority Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority Hickman Fulton County Riverport Authority Louisville-Jefferson County Riverport Authority Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority The 2021 Kentucky General Assembly appropriated the funding for the grants, and riverports applied for the grants to the Water Transportation Advisory Board. The Board includes seven industry members appointed to serve a four-year term by Gov. Beshear to advise on matters related to water transportation. Duties range from evaluating riverport grant requests to recommending action to optimize waterway and riverports for future economic growth. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) staff provides technical support. KYTC Secretary Jim Gray noted that the Commonwealth has a comprehensive transportation system comprising multiple modes. "Kentucky's riverports play a vital role in the flow of freight across our waterways," said Secretary Gray. "These funds will go a long way to upgrade daily operations and spur economic opportunities."
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