The Owensboro Riverport Authority (ORA) is taking steps to make a key stretch of land more attractive to future industrial tenants, thanks in part to a $1.3 million House Bill 1 (HB1) earmark to upgrade water infrastructure.
The new 12-inch water line, funded through the HB1 grant, is being installed by Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) and is expected to be completed this month. The project is designed to increase water volume and pressure to a 50-acre site inside ORA’s rail loop, which is currently being marketed in collaboration with local and state economic development officials.
“This increases our capacity and helps prepare the site for potential industry that may require fire suppression systems or other high-volume needs,” said ORA CEO Brian Wright. “These kinds of improvements eliminate barriers and make the property more build-ready.”
The site, which sits northwest of ORA’s current operations at 1771 River Road and remains within Owensboro City limits, is targeted toward industries needing access to both river and rail systems.
The utility upgrades are part of a broader effort by ORA, OMU, and the Regional Water Resource Agency (RWRA) to enhance infrastructure in anticipation of economic development. The entities are also in preliminary discussions about a future sewer pump station and a designated power substation, although the size and capacity of both will depend on the needs of the end-user.
“The land in and around the ORA is perhaps some of the most viable property available for growth in OMU’s service territory,” said OMU General Manager Tim Lyons. “Industrial load is essential to OMU, and its consistent load assists in controlling and managing our rates for all customers.”
Austin McLimore, OMU’s director of transmission and distribution, said the project is also part of ongoing improvements along KY 331, where OMU previously upgraded a smaller water main as part of a road widening project.
“These improvements allow OMU to better provide the potential demands of future customers, making the site more attractive to growth and development,” McLimore said.
The $1.3 million in HB1 funds was secured during the 2025 legislative session. State Rep. Suzanne Miles co-sponsored the bill. She said the request came from OMU and ORA and reflected the type of infrastructure investment she prioritizes.
“Any infrastructure the government puts in place enables businesses to start marketing in a way they hadn’t been able to before,” Miles said. “This project helps open up that area for new opportunities.”
In addition to utility upgrades, ORA recently received state support for several capital investments aimed at boosting its operations. Through the Kentucky Riverport Improvement (KRI) and Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) funds, ORA was awarded:
- $143,938 for two CAT 255 compact track loaders
- $545,000 for two 25,000-pound forklifts
- $155,000 for a 4×2 DOT yard truck
- $50,000 for a triple mast forklift with a carton clamp
“These state funds allow us to modernize equipment used daily to move goods,” Wright said. “Combined with infrastructure improvements, they help us remain competitive and ready to grow.”
Though international aluminum movement has slowed in recent months due to a 50% tariff increase, Wright said ORA finished the fiscal year strong and continues to explore ways to support existing clients, including the use of the Foreign Trade Zone to delay tariff payments and ease cash flow burdens.
“We’ve capitalized on other opportunities and are cautiously optimistic heading into the next fiscal year,” Wright said. “The infrastructure improvements only strengthen our position moving forward.”
