As of Dec. 18 the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority (HFCRA) reported an increase of two barges for the current Fiscal Year 2009-10 compared to the same time frame for Fiscal Year 08-09.
Port Director Greg Curlin and Assistant Port Director Amy Williamson also added they were currently working on a barge and had the possibility of handling three more by month’s end during Williamson’s briefing of the November 2009 Operating Report.
The November 2009 report was approved by the Riverport board during their meeting held Dec. 22.
Receiving support from the state of Kentucky for ports like the one located in Hickman is a major goal for the HFCRA, according to Curlin, who advised the Board that in order to achieve this goal, it is imperative someone representing the Port attend meetings like the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association (MVFCA) meeting held earlier this month in New Orleans, La.
Port Director Curlin was on hand to “keep the port on their minds,” he said during the monthly meeting.
He was referring to minds of officials such as Congressman Ed Whitfield and Senators Ken Winters and Mitch McConnell, he said.
Congressman Whitfield, President of the MFVCA was unable to attend this year’s meeting, but Curlin was able to discuss key issues with his aid, Cory Hicks, during the New Orleans meeting.
Congressman Whitfield was a major contributor in the appropriation of dredging funds the Port received earlier this year. Originally only $23,000 was appropriated and then later $2.8 million in funds was sent for the project.
The Port was awarded funds through grants for security in 2009, but those funds have yet to be received. Once the funds are received, the Port will install security cameras on Port property achieve the best security possible. During the Area Maritime Security meeting held Dec. 10, Assistant Port Director Williamson learned $14 million would be available for projects in 2010 with 100% funding. “We can submit up to three applications,” said Williamson. The applications have a deadline of Feb. 12.
Annual employee safety training was held on Dec. 15, as required by OSHA. Employees were briefed on a variety of safety topics pertaining to issues such as confined spaces, fall protection, and general safety issues.
The policy procedures were discussed and approved by the board pertaining to: check writing, purchase authorization, and depreciation.
Following the approval of the policy procedures the board moved to go into closed session to discuss property and a business proposal at 4:10 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5 p.m. with all board members present, except Dan Rice.
The board is scheduled to reconvene Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. on Catlett Street in Hickman.
