Kentucky Riverports, Highway, and Rail Freight Study

Kentucky riverports highway and rail freight study graphic barge on waterway

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prepared an economic development plan to leverage the Ohio River corridor as well as other freight and rail assets to promote growth and retention of businesses throughout the Commonwealth. Through this study, KYTC developed an understanding of both strengths and weaknesses of the current freight network, identified improvements to create efficiencies and strengthen the system, and demonstrated the ability to connect with critical markets and supply chain sectors domestically and abroad.

Map of Kentucky showing public riverport locations railroad centerlines highway centerlines and commercially navigable waterways

PURPOSE

The intention of the Riverports, Highway & Rail Freight study was to better understand the breadth and depth of Kentucky’s multi-modal freight infrastructure, recommend a priority list of improvements based on potential return, identify potential partnerships and funding sources, and to better communicate overall strengths with businesses who have a need for these services. One of the final outcomes was a marketing toolkit for economic development leaders, riverport managers, local governments, and others to use to promote the network for both foreign and domestic commerce. This report and its recommendations do not represent an official position of the Transportation Cabinet or the administration.

KENTUCKY RIVERPORT, HIGHWAY, AND RAIL FREIGHT STUDY FINAL REPORT

Final Report