Scenic views from the river while traveling by MetroLINK’s Channel Cat in the Quad Cities is a must attraction for residents and tourists alike.
Recently MetroLINK made an announcement that their Channel Cat passenger ferry will expand its services to East Moline thanks to.1.85 million dollar grant from the Federal Transit Administration.
“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.”
MetroLINK manager of Administration, Jennifer Hirsch,, announced that the money will be used to pay for the dock at the Bend, design, site preparation, accessible dock, security and other necessary amenities.
“We are incredibly excited to add a fifth passenger ferry boat stop in East Moline, IL near The Bend, to support the continued development in the area by increasing multimodal travel between bus routes, paratransit and the riverfront bike trail network,” said Hirsch,. “The new dock is planned to improve access to mobility by enhancing features that support safety, ADA access such as railings, ramps, and wayfinding. This project is a great complement to The Bend, and we are grateful to FTA, Senators Durbin and Duckworth, and Representative Bustos for recognizing the importance of public transit.”
Hirsch explained that since they just learned of this award, their preparations will take some time. She expects any kind of activity on dock building to start around 2023.
The idea to make a Channel Cat stop at the Bend came from Committee discussions in 2020. They were looking for ways to connect downtown East Moline and the Rust Belt with new restaurant and hotel developments.
Currently, the Channel Cat passenger ferry stops at the Village of East Davenport, the Isle Casino and Hotel in Bettendorf, and in Moline at John Deere Commons and the Ben Butterworth Parkway.
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