Eddyville Riverport Photo
On Monday, Governor Andy Beshear announced a $5.5 million state investment in 16 public riverport projects across Kentucky, including one in Eddyville, to boost economic activity and support future expansion.
The grants will finance dredging, mooring and warehouse repairs, port equipment purchases, and other essential needs, as part of Team Kentucky’s investment in the state’s waterways economy.
At the start of 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly allocated, and Gov. Beshear approved, $15 million for the next two years for the newly established Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) grant. To date, over $5 million has been awarded for eight projects, including $750,000 for the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority’s nearly $1.5 million Dolphin Installation Project. Additionally, $500,000 was awarded through the Kentucky Riverport Improvement (KRI) grant for eight projects to help maintain current operations and enhance current facilities and infrastructure.
The Water Transportation Advisory Board reviewed the projects and recommended eight Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance and eight Kentucky Riverport Improvement projects for approval by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The fund is designed to provide financial support for projects for 10 public riverports currently in the state.
According to state transportation officials, approved grants must be used to enhance riverport facilities and infrastructure, including docks, wharves, equipment, buildings, storage, roads, railroads, and other on-site improvements, as well as related professional services.
Eligible projects do not include routine operations, maintenance or repair activities.
