Governor Andy Beshear unveiled a $15.1 million investment aimed at strengthening Kentucky’s inland waterway system. The funding comes from the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) program and will be distributed to fifteen riverport projects across the Commonwealth.
What the money will support
The grants target a range of improvements, including equipment upgrades and replacements, expansion of warehouse and storage facilities, increased capacity for barge staging, and safety enhancements. Each project was vetted by the state’s Water Transportation Advisory Board, which evaluated proposals on safety, preservation, transportation impact and economic development potential.
Local riverports receiving aid
The KPRCM awards will benefit seven public riverports:
- Henderson County Riverport Authority
- Owensboro Riverport Authority
- Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority
- Greenup Boyd County Riverport Authority
- Hickman Fulton County Riverport Authority
- Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority
- West Kentucky Regional Riverport Authority
These facilities serve as critical hubs for moving bulk goods such as coal, agricultural products and construction materials throughout the region.
Why the investment matters
“Our riverports play a key role in transporting goods across the Commonwealth,” Beshear said. “These investments will help boost capacity and support good‑paying jobs for our people for years to come.” Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman added that shifting freight to waterways eases pressure on Kentucky’s road network, preserving the highways that families rely on daily.
The program does not require a local match, allowing riverport authorities to move forward with projects without additional financial burdens on municipalities. This approach aligns with the administration’s broader goal of expanding freight options while protecting the state’s infrastructure budget.
Historical context
This is the fifth round of KPRCM funding, following the most recent allocation announced in January 2026. The program has consistently aimed to modernize Kentucky’s riverport infrastructure, recognizing the strategic advantage of waterborne commerce for a state that sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
By enhancing riverport capacity, the state hopes to attract more private investment, create additional employment opportunities and keep Kentucky competitive in the national logistics landscape.
Looking ahead
Officials expect the funded projects to begin construction later this year, with completion timelines varying by site. As work progresses, the Water Transportation Advisory Board will continue to monitor outcomes, ensuring that the upgrades deliver the promised economic and safety benefits.
For businesses and communities along Kentucky’s waterways, the infusion of capital represents a tangible commitment to preserving and expanding a transportation mode that has long supported the state’s economy.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
