The Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Authority is at the heart of Western Kentucky’s economy, as Executive Director Amanda Davenport recently shed light on the riverport’s evolving operations and growing economic influence.
Davenport said the Riverport does not handle aggregate, minerals, coal, stone, or similar materials. Because the facility is heavily connected to agriculture, she said they are now exploring ways to diversify into chemicals, metals, or possibly recycling, which is being discussed after the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex stopped processing recyclables in January 2024.
click to download audioShe said they’ve spent about a year and a half searching for domestic buyers for recyclables, noting it’s difficult to find a place that will take glass and much of the plastic would need to be exported. She said these supply chain challenges are where the Riverport’s location on an inland waterway could help.
click to download audioShe also noted that the Eddyville Riverport’s 80-acre rail-served site sets them apart and allows them to compete with much larger cities.
Addressing another subject, Davenport also explained they do not export limestone because most local rock quarries have their own private rail or river terminals.
click to download audioDavenport also pointed out that one advantage of the Eddyville Riverport’s lake location is that the water level is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
click to download audioAccording to Davenport, the Riverport’s economic impact is about $10 million each year, not including all commodities, and supports around 60 direct and indirect jobs However, Davenport said with the capacity building projects they have, she believes that will increase because it will allow more people to move more goods through, including farmers.
click to download audioDavenport provided details about the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Authority at the Princeton Rotary Club meeting held last week.
