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Special Interest Group Claiming Convenience, Nostalgia & Economic Development in Push for Mississippi River Ferry
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has decided against a group trying to establish ferry service across the Mississippi River between New Boston, Ill. and Oakville, Iowa. Despite losing the backing of the Corps, the backers continue to plug along.

The group is seeking help from the Illinois and Iowa congressional delegations, hoping to reverse the Corps’ position. They are also lobbying for $14 million in funding from the federal government for the ferry, says Larry McHenry of the Illowa Ferryboat and Development Corp.

"We can get on the river from New Boston," he says. "However, when we cross the river, we can't unload because the Corps of Engineers will not rent us the land to unload on."

The ferry project has been discussed since the early 1990s. A boat operated between Mercer County and Louisa County, Iowa from 1834 to 1973. It was discontinued due to maintenance problems on the Iowa side.

Ken Purdy with the Illowa Ferryboat and Development Corp. says in addition to boosting the local economy through tourism, the ferry would also offer convenience: The nearest bridge access is located 35 miles away in Muscatine, Iowa or Gulfport, Ill.

(Illinois Radio Network)
12 25 09 by Newsroom
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