Comer delivers $40 million DOT grant for Riverport West

A $40 million grant from the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has solidified Paducah’s Riverport West project.

Congressman James Comer made the grant announcement on Monday, highlighting the impact of the expanded port capacity in Paducah as a further catalyst for growth. Comer worked with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to secure the funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program.  

Comer said, "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.”

Executive Director of Paducah McCracken Riverport Authority Jim Garrett expressed gratitude for this latest round of grant funding. Local leaders had also been able to meet with officials with the Department of Transportation while in Washington to bring the project additional attention and move it further toward construction and completion.  

Garrett added, "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,"

Back in July, Comer announced that Riverport West was the recipient of a $24 million BUILD Grant for the expansion project. Riverport West positions Paducah to be the regional hub for moving agriculture products and manufactured items throughout the inland waterway system.