WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded a $40 million dollar Port Infrastructure Development Program grant to the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority for the Riverport West Project. Congressman Comer recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy in strong support of the funding and spoke directly with MARAD Administrator Steve Carmel to stress the project’s importance to Kentucky’s transportation network and economic future.
“The Riverport West project is a major investment in the future of McCracken County and Kentucky. This new funding will expand our region’s shipping capacity, strengthen critical transportation infrastructure, and help attract new businesses and good-paying jobs. I was proud to support the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority’s work to secure this investment, and I commend its leaders and community partners for their ongoing efforts to get this project across the finish line. I will continue working with federal and local leaders to strengthen Kentucky’s economy and create new opportunities for our communities,” said Congressman Comer.
“On behalf of the Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority, we thank Congressman Comer for his continued support in the development and federal funding of Riverport West. His advocacy, along with that of Senators McConnell and Paul, has been instrumental in helping us secure the PIDP grant funds necessary to complete construction of Riverport West. These federal funds, combined with matching state grant funds, will allow for a seamless and cost-effective construction schedule. This PIDP grant award is the next step in positioning Riverport West as a catalyst for economic growth across Western Kentucky,” said Executive Director of Paducah McCracken Riverport Authority Jim Garrett.
Background:
Congressman Comer and his staff have advocated for the Riverport West Project since it was first presented to DOT officials, including by facilitating a meeting between senior DOT officials and local Paducah leaders. The project will expand the capacity of the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority’s existing public port, providing enhanced access to inland waterways and support the movement of manufactured goods and agricultural products throughout the region. In July, Congressman Comer was proud to announce DOT also awarded a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to support the Riverport West Project.
