(Moline, IL) -- A number of dignitaries and community members are celebrating the newly renovated John Deere Commons Dock. The $2.1 million John Deere Commons Dock renovation was funded through the Federal Transportation Administration Competitive Passenger Ferryboat Grant program.
The FTA’s Passenger Ferryboat Grant Program supports capital projects to establish new ferry service, and repair and modernize ferry vessels, terminal, facilities and equipment. Crews removed and installed an entirely new docking system for the Channel Cat as well as transient boaters, ADA and pedestrian improvements, safety and lighting improvements, and signage enhancements.
FTA Region 7, Regional Administrator, Mokhtee Ahmad, stated “MetroLINK has done a fantastic job not only providing a unique, bi state ferryboat option on the Mississippi River, but has also been successful in acquiring a number of grant funds from FTA for ferryboat improvements, including over 7 million for dock projects and a half a million dollars to repower three boats to extend their useful life.” The Channel Cat is open for the season, running 7 days a week through Labor Day Weekend.