Curlin tagged Riverport Director Hickman Courier 03/03/09 Charlotte Smith Email this story to a friend After discussing an EPA issue with Terry Roncali of WEPFER Marine, insurance coverage with David King of Insurance Center, and stimulus package possible grants with Fulton County Judge/Executive David Gallagher, the Riverport Board hired a new director. During their Feb. 24 meeting, board members offered the position of Port Director to Fulton County resident, Greg Curlin. “I look forward to working with the associates to expand on the Riverport’s unique resources to economically benefit our community,” said Curlin. Curlin, who has previous work experience with Goodyear, of Union City, and Ferry Morse, of Fulton, plans to be at the Riverport by mid March. Curlin is married to Melanie Curlin, and they have two daughters, Casey Curlin and Allie Curlin. The Curlins reside in Fulton. “I am very excited about the Board’s decision to select Greg as Riverport Director,” said Interim Riverport Director Amy Williamson. “In conversations that he and I have had, I know that he is prepared to hit the ground running; realizing that there are many challenges currently facing the port.” Williamson took over as interim port director in May 2008 after the board dismissed director Doug Goodman. The board’s decision to hire Curlin now has come at a crucial time for the Riverport. In recent months the Riverport has watched the number of barges coming in and out of the port decline. The Delta Regional Authority will have about $50 million to disperse from the stimulus package recently enacted by President Barack Obama. There may also be additional programs the port may be able to tap into for funds to help benefit, not only Fulton County but western Kentucky, northwest Tennessee and Missouri, as well. Some of the items the Port could use to help expand their business and possibly bring additional jobs and industry to Hickman and Fulton County are: a new, larger crane and other equipment and property acquisitions for possible warehousing capabilities. Judge/Executive Gallagher said this is the time for the Port to let Frankfort know what they need to help them expand and grow. “This could be a one time shot,” commented Judge/Executive Gallagher, regarding the availability of funds such as those from the stimulus package. Gallagher’s office has also created a ‘wish list’ to submit to Frankfort with some assistance from the Purchase Area Development District (PADD) office regarding possible funds for projects in the county. Hartt Transportation has expressed a need to transport trucking containers across the Mississippi River by way of the ferry. The current ferry is not large enough to handle those containers. According to Gallagher, the ferry intends to submit an application to Frankfort for a larger barge and new boat. David King, with the Insurance Center of Murray reviewed the current board policies and gave a history of changes in the Riverport’s coverage. Vice Chairman Albert Dinwiddie asked for an approval of minutes of previous meetings, and Interim Port Director Amy Williamson reviewed the prior month’s financials indicating the Riverport has operated at a loss for the month of January. The barge report indicated a significant decline in port activity. Williamson gave an update on the 2009 Port Security Grant in which an enhanced camera surveillance system and a boat had been requested through separate applications. According to a phone call from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Riverport was only able to submit one application, as both projects were to be carried out at the same location. Williamson withdrew the boat application. FEMA informed her that the grant would be available next year, and the boat application could be resubmitted. The board then convened into closed session to discuss personnel and business proposal issues. After returning into open session, Dan Rice made a motion to hire Greg Curlin as Port Director, seconded by David Lattus, with a unanimous approval from those in attendance including: Henry Callison, Dinwiddie, and Gene McCollum.