Marquette Transportation Co. has announced plans to expand its operations in Paducah, Kentucky, with an investment exceeding $5 million. This expansion is expected to create up to 55 new jobs in the region. The company, a leader in barge towing services on America's inland waterways, will add a new training center, warehouse, and additional office space at its McCracken County facility.
Governor Andy Beshear expressed his support for the project, stating that "one of Kentucky’s greatest strengths has always been its unique access to resources and ideal location for companies to distribute their products." He added that this development is significant not only for the state's distribution and logistics industry but also for Paducah and Western Kentucky.
Damon Judd, president and CEO of Marquette Transportation Co., acknowledged the support from state officials and local leaders: “We are proud to be headquartered in Paducah... The potential incentives from KEDFA will help us continue our investments in training and supporting our people – our most important asset."
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Paducah, Marquette Transportation Co. employs over 1,500 mariners and more than 250 shore-based staff. The company's services span over 6,000 miles of America's inland waterways.
Local officials also praised the expansion. McCracken County Judge/Executive Craig Clymer highlighted Marquette's long-standing contribution to the community: “Marquette Transportation is one of our longstanding local companies... It is exciting to bring new business.” Paducah Mayor George Bray emphasized the company's role in the local economy: “Marquette’s investment... is affirmation that Paducah continues to be the epicenter of the inland waterways corridor.”
Bruce Wilcox, President and CEO of Greater Paducah Economic Development, expressed enthusiasm about Marquette's growth: “This additional investment... strengthens even more Paducah’s presence in the maritime industry.”
The expansion aligns with Gov. Beshear's broader economic initiatives. Since taking office, he has announced over 1,100 private-sector projects totaling more than $35 billion in investments across Kentucky.
To support Marquette's expansion, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment program. This performance-based agreement could provide up to $800,000 in tax incentives based on meeting certain investment and job creation targets.
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