Louisville Riverport Authority awarded $1 million federal grant for marine, rail and road planning upgrades

Federal grant targets planning for infrastructure improvements at Louisville’s inland port

The Louisville & Jefferson County Riverport Authority is set to receive $1 million in federal funding to support a new master planning process aimed at upgrading key freight infrastructure in southwest Jefferson County. The funding was announced on Feb. 19, 2026, and is intended to advance planning for improvements that include the marine terminal, rail system and road access serving the Riverport complex.

The Riverport Authority is also contributing $250,000 toward the effort, bringing the total planning pool described so far to $1.25 million. The planning work is expected to inform future design and construction decisions for projects that would expand capacity and improve the efficiency of cargo movement across multiple transportation modes.

What the master plan is expected to cover

The Riverport Authority has previously outlined a “Logistics Facility Master Plan” initiative designed to shape development of its inland port, railroad and adjacent properties. The plan is intended to provide a framework for the final design and construction of a new marine terminal, along with the layout and development of rail enhancements and complementary site improvements. The authority has also described the work as addressing permitting and regulatory requirements and producing cost estimates to support long-term capital investment decisions.

• Marine terminal planning tied to future design and construction
• Rail system enhancements to improve freight handling and connectivity
• Road access and site improvements intended to support truck circulation and overall logistics efficiency
• Phasing and cost estimates to guide future funding and project sequencing

How the grant fits into Louisville’s federal funding landscape

The Riverport award aligns with a broader pattern of federal dollars directed to Louisville-area local projects through the congressional appropriations process. In prior funding cycles, project lists tied to community funding requests have included a $1 million allocation for a multimodal logistics facility at the Louisville Riverport Authority, indicating recurring federal interest in Riverport-related freight development.

Economic and governance context

Supporters of the new award have framed the Riverport investment as connected to employment and long-term economic activity in southwest Jefferson County. Riverport planning initiatives are typically positioned as preparatory steps that can make later construction projects more competitive for additional federal, state or private financing.

“When we invest in Riverport and Southwest Jefferson County, we are investing in jobs,” Rep. Morgan McGarvey said in comments accompanying the funding announcement.

At this stage, the funding described is tied to planning and pre-development work rather than construction. Specific construction timelines, final project scope, and any additional funding commitments beyond the $1 million federal award and $250,000 local contribution have not been detailed in the information released so far.