HENDERSON (January 8, 2026) – The Henderson County Riverport Authority (HCRA) has reopened its bulk dock following completion of a $2.2 million infrastructure improvement project aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing congestion at the port.
The project, which began in May 2024, focused on acquiring a new electric material handler that allows dry bulk cargo to be offloaded at the liquid bulk dock rather than the main dock. This operational change enables the riverport to unload two barges simultaneously, easing seasonal bottlenecks and reducing demurrage costs for customers.
Most of the project was funded through state riverport grant programs. HCRA received a $1.5 million no-match grant through the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) program toward the purchase of a $2.03 million Sennebogen 865E electric material handler. Subsequent funding rounds provided an additional $532,000 to complete the equipment purchase.
In addition, HCRA secured a $76,472 Kentucky Riverport Improvement (KRI) grant to support construction of a $95,590 concrete staging pad, with a required local match of $19,118. To power the new material handler, HCRA also invested $74,134 to upgrade electrical service at the dock.
“This investment significantly increases our operational capacity and efficiency,” said Ben Weithman, Executive Director of the Henderson County Riverport Authority. “By reducing seasonal bottlenecks, our customers benefit from lower demurrage costs. Moving bulk unloading off the main dock also helps extend the service life of our 40-year-old, 125-ton cable crane, which has been the backbone of riverport operations for decades.”
The project was completed in January 2026 at a total cost of $2,201,724. Grant funding accounted for $2,108,472 of the total, with HCRA contributing $93,252.
HCRA would like to thank the Kentucky General Assembly for their continued support of riverports and the grant funding that keeps these vital hubs growing, Governor Andy Beshear for his steadfast support of Kentucky’s riverports and the jobs they create, and special thanks to Senator Robby Mills and Representative JT Payne for their advocacy on behalf of HCRA.
For further information, or to schedule a tour of the Henderson County Riverport Authority, please contact Jacob Sauer at jacob.sauer@hendersonport.com.