Hickman - Fulton Co. Riverport recipient of grant

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recently announced $500,000 in awards for critical repairs and equipment replacement at five Kentucky riverports, among them the Hickman Fulton County Riverport Authority.

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 $136,265 to replace a 40-year old front-end loader with a newer model used to load and unload bulk materials between trucks and barges. The loader is essential to material handling operations.

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.