Paducah-McCracken Riverport Authority And Southern FS To Build Fertilizer Facility

The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority announced November 7 that it has reached a 10-year lease agreement with an additional 10-year extension option with Southern FS to construct a state-of-the-art fertilizer handling facility in the port’s bulk terminal complex.

Southern FS is a full-service agriculture and energy supplier headquartered in Marion, Ill. The firm operates in 34 counties across the states of Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri.

“The signing of the agreement will continue to offer our region’s agricultural partners a well-established supply chain with Southern FS for our four-state region. We are excited to continue the relationship with Southern FS through this hybrid public-private venture,” said Bill Miller, the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority’s executive director.

The process began in July 2018, when the port advertised a Request for Qualifications for the construction, lease, and operation of a fertilizer handling facility. Sealed bid packages from qualified bidders were opened during a public meeting in August. Alan Kirby, Southern FS general manager, said the facility will replace the one currently leased at the port.

“A Southern FS-owned facility will allow us to operate at a higher capacity and ensure continued supply of fertilizer products to local customers and others throughout the region,” said Kirby. He noted that the new terminal is adjacent to a fertilizer solution terminal owned by GROWMARK. Southern FS is part of the GROWMARK System, which provides agriculture and energy products for its FS members.

“This project is in a strategic location for us and supports our efforts to maintain reliable access to fertilizer for our customers. Proximity to a GROWMARK solution terminal provides synergies for our customers, as well,” Kirby noted. He said the current facility will remain operational until the new facility is complete in May 2019.

“Paducah Economic Development wishes to congratulate Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority on this major achievement,” said Glen Anderson, Paducah economic development interim director.  “Paducah’s location is ideal for the river industry and the success of this industry is vital for our economy. This is another major success not only for McCracken County Riverport Authority but for our community.”