3 Kentucky Riverports Receive Grants
Three Kentucky riverports recently received grant awards as part of two state programs.
The Greenup Boyd County Riverport Authority and West Kentucky Regional Riverport Authority received a total of $1 million from Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) funding, Gov. Andy Beshear’s Office announced January 17.
KPRCM funding invests $7.5 million per fiscal year to improve riverport facilities and infrastructure for new construction, major replacement or repair projects, according to Beshear’s office.
Greenup Boyd County Riverport Authority received $750,000 to replace aging equipment with a new material handler, skid steer and backhoe for more efficient offloading and movement of goods.
The West Kentucky Regional Riverport Authority in Ballard County received $250,000 to fund archaeological activities for a proposed 19-acre inland riverport in the area of Fort Jefferson, a Revolutionary War fort, in Wickliffe.
“Quality transportation systems and economic development go hand-in-glove to enhance the quality of life for Kentuckians,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said in a news release concerning the awards. “We’re excited for this first round of funding to flow to local industries and look forward to even more investments to come this year.”
This is the second round of KPRCM grants to be announced since 2024, bringing the total of awards to $6 million. In August, Beshear announced $5 million for eight riverport projects.
Additionally, the Owensboro Riverport Authority received $1,230,227 for a rail spur loading facility project as part of the state’s Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement grants (KIASI).
Other award recipients were Logan Aluminum, $1,475,400 for a yard track extension project in Logan County; Norfolk Southern Railway, $506,250 for roadbed stabilization in Harrison County; and Wieland North America Recycling, $1,875,000 for a project to connect Norfolk Southern’s Class 1 railroad with the recycler’s facility in Shelby County.
The KIASI grants provide $7.5 million each fiscal year for railroad equipment, construction, reconstruction, improvement or rehabilitation of rail facilities or engineering work associated with capital projects. Applicants provide a 50 percent match for awarded funds.
