JEFFERSONVILLE — Yet again, the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville broke its annual shipping record last year by handling 2.8 million tons of cargo, according to a news release.
It's the second year in a row the port has reached new heights, exceeding its 2014 cargo tonnage last year by 16 percent.
"These are exceptional times at the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville," Port director Scott Stewart said in a news release.
Shipments of steel in particular doubled between 2014 and 2015 partially because of increased demand in the automotive industry. The port's 'steel campus' is home to 12 metal processing companies.
The port handled its second largest volume of grain in 2015. Shipments of fertilizer, oils and mineral also increased last year.
In 2015, the port saw 1,300 barges, 17,000 rail cars and 180,000 trucks. It contributes more than $1.5 billion in economic activity to the region each year and employs 11,200 people.
"The first driver of the port's success is its ideal location on the Ohio River in metro Louisville," Stewart said. "The second driver is an unrelenting commitment by our port companies to business development and continuous improvement in producing parts and products of the highest quality."
Companies at the port ship and receive products to and from all 50 states and 12 countries.
The port received a $10 million TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation last year that will help fund its $17 million intermodal project. Construction of the $30.4 million heavy haul road, which will connect to the port, also began last year.
Both announcements will allow the port to continue its growth.
"Both our port and our region are experiencing an infrastructure bonanza," Stewart said. "The $2.3 billion Ohio River Bridges Project ... and the $17 million TIGER project that will expand the port's rail and bulk-loading capacity are investments of historical consequence. These projects will greatly improve the region's strength in advanced manufacturing and logistics."