Owensboro Riverport Authority Awarded $11.2 Million BUILD Grant

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced December 6 that the Owensboro (Ky.) Riverport Authority has been awarded $11.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant program.

“Owensboro’s Riverport is an internationally recognized leader in transportation services along America’s inland waterways system. This critical federal funding will improve Industrial Road to promote safety and encourage economic development,” said McConnell.

Riverport officials told local media that the money would be used to help fund a road-widening project.

“As Senate Majority Leader, I made it a priority to increase infrastructure grant funding in the hopes that more Kentucky communities would be able to benefit. …  I look forward to the new opportunities for growth in this wonderful region, and I was glad to support this application to help bring new resources to Kentucky.”

“On behalf of our community, we could not be more appreciative of the efforts by Sen. McConnell and the U.S. Department of Transportation to deliver this BUILD grant to the Owensboro Riverport,” said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. “This growing asset in Owensboro will expand economic development and deliver tangible results, especially in our industrial and agricultural communities. This grant further affirms the excellence of the port’s management as we continue to highlight the Ohio River’s importance for the economic growth of Owensboro and our entire commonwealth.”