The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently issued $5.7 million to 15 public riverport projects statewide to help support the ongoing expansion of the state’s waterways economy.
[Above photo by KYTC]
At the beginning of 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly allocated – and Governor Andy Beshear (D) approved – $15 million for the next two years for the newly created Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance or KPRCM grant program, with the existing Kentucky Riverport Improvement or KRI program providing additional grant support.
Nearly $5.2 million of that $5.7 million in riverport funding will support 10 KPRCM projects, KYTC said, with $500,000 going to five KRI projects.
That funding will help maintain current operations and improve current facilities and infrastructure, including conveyor replacements, dock upgrades, forklift and yard truck purchases, barge cell revitalization, paving and more, KYTC noted.
“This investment is about more than replacing outdated equipment, paving roads and upgrading ports,” said Gov. Beshear in a statement. “It’s about driving industry growth, creating good-paying jobs and keeping Kentucky’s transportation network ahead of the curve.”
“Kentucky’s riverports move billions in freight each year,” added KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “With this investment, we’re reinforcing our position as a central logistics hub for the nation.”
KYTC added that approved grants must be used to improve riverport facilities and infrastructure for new construction and major replacement or repair projects, including but not limited to the improvement of docks, wharves, equipment, port buildings, storage facilities, roads, and railroads to facilitate the flow of commerce through the port, other onsite improvements and related professional services.
That funding is not earmarked for routine operations, maintenance, or repair activities, the agency stressed.
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