$40 Million Grant Awarded for Riverport West Project
Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority Executive Director James Garrett provided an overview of the Riverport West Project and the exciting news that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded a $40 million Port Infrastructure Development Program grant for the project. These funds plus a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant announced over the summer and State funding bring the combined federal and state funding for the project to $78 million, which is in line with the project’s estimated cost.
This project includes the construction of a dock facility with direct rail access. The site is adjacent to the Triple Rail Site and located less than two miles from the U.S. Department of Energy Paducah site.
Some of the next steps for the project are to finalize the granting agreements, develop a wetland mitigation plan, and complete the construction permits. Once the project breaks ground in approximately a year, the estimated construction period is 18 months. The goal is for the facility to be operational in 2029.
Street Rehabilitation Update
City Engineer Greg Guebert provided the Paducah Board of Commissioners an update on the street rehabilitation program. Guebert outlined the various sources of funds for the annual street rehabilitation program which include funding from the City budget including any increases approved by the Board of Commissioners, grant funding, and the State’s Municipal Aid Program (MAP) funding. For the current fiscal year, the total funding for street rehabilitation projects is $3.965 million.
Guebert then provided additional details about the grant funding and associated projects. Using Community Development Block Grant funding, the City completed the sidewalk project on Clements Street. Upcoming projects and funding sources include Levin Street (Local Assistance Road Program funds), S. 21st Street (Grant Pool Funding, HB501), and sidewalk design for Coleman Road (Carbon Reduction Funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization).
The City also has applied for grant funding to replace a bridge on County Park Road and rehabilitate sections of Jackson Street, Cruse Avenue, James Sanders Boulevard, and County Park Road.
Guebert ended the presentation with a City map depicting the road projects completed in the last fiscal year and the projects planned for the current fiscal year.
Health Insurance Plan Update
Benefits Advisor DJ Story with HUB International provided an overview of the City of Paducah’s 2027 health insurance plan through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as the City’s third-party administrator. The City of Paducah has a self-insured health insurance plan which means premiums paid into the plan by the employees and the City’s contributions are used to pay the claims.
Story explained that, nationwide, healthcare costs were up eight to nine percent from 2025 to 2026, the highest in more than a decade. The main drivers for the increase include hospital labor shortages, price inflation, high-cost drugs, rising chronic and mental health claims, and policy shifts pushing more costs to employers.
For the second time in approximately 14 years, those who participate in the City’s health plan will see an increase to their health insurance premiums for 2027. Each employee taking the City’s health insurance will see an increase of $25 per pay period. Additionally, premiums for the dental plan are increasing.
To comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) minimums, there is a change in the deductible for individuals on the investor plan. The increase is from $3400 to $3500.
Actions taken by the Paducah Board of Commissioners regarding benefits, wellness, and health insurance are as follows:
- Municipal order approved for the 2027 health insurance, vision, and dental premiums.
- Municipal order approved for a contract with HUB for strategic health risk advisor and benefit placement services for the City’s health insurance.
- Municipal order approved authorizing an agreement between the City of Paducah and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide administrative services for 2027 related to the City’s health insurance plan.
- Municipal order approved for an agreement with Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. to provide stop loss insurance which is used when a plan participant’s claims exceed a set value or when the City’s total claims exceed a set maximum.
- Municipal order approved setting the policy for the funds provided by the City to eligible employees for 2027 in the health and wellness plans (also called spending credits).
Boards and Commissions
- Appointment of Isaac Marrs to the Joint 911 Parcel Fee Appeals Board.
- Appointment of Kevin Terry to the Board of Adjustment.
Additional Meeting Information
- City Engineer Greg Guebert introduced a new employee to the Board, Assistant City Engineer Taylor Mullins.
- Mayor George Bray presentation a proclamation to members of the Paducah police and fire departments proclaiming October 28 as First Responders Day. The proclamation encourages all citizens to recognize and express appreciation for the dedicated first responders whose service and commitment protect the safety and well-being of our community.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the declaration of surplus and sale of the city-owned property at 1938 Center Street. Twin Rivers Equity Group, LLC, is purchasing the property and plans to construct a single-family home.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application of a Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Grant requesting $8,180.
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