Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky expand horizons

A recent decision to approve the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority and the Northern Kentucky Port Authority’s request to “re-designate” to include a larger geographic region by the Army Corps Navigation means the port district now includes a 226.5 mile reach of the Ohio River, including a seven mile reach of the Licking River, in 15 counties.

“The expansion of our shared port again shows that, when Kentucky and Ohio work together, we can win together,” said John Kasich, Ohio Governor. “We can bolster trade and commerce along the Ohio River and create more opportunities to grow jobs throughout Greater Cincinnati.”

“Expanding the port’s boundaries will raise its profile and help attract new business at an important time – as volume of international materials and commodities enter the United States continues to grow,” added Senator Rob Portman.

The port authorities petitioned for an expanded port boundary in response to the advocacy of the Central Ohio River Business Association (COBRA), a river commerce trade association.

The port authorities, which already rank among the Top 20 US ports by annual freight tonnage, say they expect the ports will reflect more than 48 million freight tonnes handled and rise to the 15^th busiest port district and the second busiest inland river port in the US.