t the confluence of four major rivers, Paducah, Kentucky has always been the perfect location for river-related business. Now, industry can enjoy the advantages of a multi-modal park that blends rail, interstate and barge at the Ohio River's northernmost ice-free port.
   Riverport West features over 1,800 acres focused on high efficiency transportation between the river system and rail or truck. "This park is going to be first-class," says Wayne Sterling, President and CEO of the Greater Paducah Economic Development Council. "We offer tracts from one acre to 1,800 acres. Rail service will be running within a year and the docks will be open within two years."
   This slack water facility is designed to handle bulk cargo, liquids and containers. All utilities, including natural gas and broadband, are included in the infrastructure. Tenants are guaranteed fast access from this mid-American location with Interstate 24 only three miles from the park, and three other interstates within an hour's drive.
   The park's first tenant, Southland Renewable Fuels (SRF), is western Kentucky's first major biodiesel facility, and will produce 60 million gallons of fuel and 6 million gallons of glycerin annually. Tim Swinford, managing partner, said the company chose Riverport West because of the shipping advantages of river and rail, as well as help from state and local governments. In addition to using local agricultural products, SRF will utilize barges to bring in feedstocks from South America and Malaysia. SRF expects to use 1.5 barges weekly and 14 rail cars daily for receiving and shipping. Their medical grade glycerin will be shipped by truck. "Riverport West and Paducah are a prime location for any company that needs barge, rail and road access. We're thrilled to be the first tenant," said Swinford.
   Hunter Marine, a line boat operator, announced an expansion of their operations center in Paducah. "Everything we need to operate our boats is in the Paducah area: midstream fuel, supplies, shipyards with drydocks, machine shops and, most importantly, people with the right knowledge to get the job done" says Glenn Hendon, COO for Hunter Marine. "Situated on the Ohio River only 50 miles from the Mississippi River, we move freight through Paducah from all points in the Gulf of Mexico as well as ports on the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers."
   With 25,000 miles of waterways, barging is often the most economical mode of commercial freight transportation. Barge capacity is 15 times greater than one rail car and 60 times greater than one semi-trailer truck, according to American Waterways Operators.
   Wayne Sterling says it's all about giving industry choices. "We're developing an industrial park that provides companies with flexible transportation options – typically a big part of their costs – so they can be efficient and competitive in their respective industries," says Sterling. "Riverport West is a ground floor opportunity for companies who depend on moving resources and products effectively and economically."
   For more information visit www.gpedc.com.