Durbin, Duckworth, Bustos Announce $1.8 Million Grant For Metrolink To Expand Ferry Service

Statement

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) today announced that Rock Island County will receive $1,850,000 in federal funding to expand MetroLINK's passenger ferry service. The funding, awarded by the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program, will support the construction of a terminal near the newly developed "Bend District" on the Mississippi River in East Moline, Illinois. The new terminal will address safety and accessibility accommodations.

"MetroLINK's passenger ferry service is an important part of the Quad Cities' transit network and its economy," said Durbin. "This federal funding will allow MetroLINK to improve accessibility and serve more passengers, whether they are local residents or visitors looking for a unique way to see the Mississippi River. Senator Duckworth, Congresswoman Bustos, and I will continue advocating for investments in our public transit systems."

"I'm proud to see a more ADA-accessible and safer ferry transportation project prioritized along the treasured Mississippi River in the Quad Cities," said Duckworth. "Not only will this support help improve the passenger experience, it's promises kept by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create more local jobs and to prioritize climate-friendly transportation. I'll keep advocating for additional resources that will help modernize our state's transportation systems."

"The Quad-Cities MetroLINK Channel Cat is a fun and unique way for folks in our community to cross the Mississippi River," said Congresswoman Bustos. "I'm thrilled to join Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to announce more than $1.8 million in infrastructure funding to construct a brand-new terminal in East Moline. This project will create local jobs and boost development right here in the Quad-Cities -- all while improving our water taxi system."

Source