On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Congressman Eric Sorensen, U. S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, and U. S. Senator Tammy Duckworth announced $8 million in Federal funding for Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK), through the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT.) This grant will be used to make land-side improvements along the Mississippi Riverfront and for a new, zero-emissions, battery-electric ferry and charging equipment.
“Anyone who lives near the Mississippi River knows how special MetroLINK’s Channel Cat Water Taxi service is to the Quad Cities region” said Sorensen. “It connects our neighbors to jobs, family, businesses, [and] services, and keeps our region’s economy going. This important funding will not only make the service more reliable, but it will do it in a way that keeps our air and water clean. I will always fight to bring home investments that build up our public transit systems and help make our region sustainable for the future.”
“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 support a zero-emission ferry, not only leading to more reliable service for passengers looking to experience the Mississippi River, but also improved air and water quality. Senator Duckworth and I will continue advocating for investments in our public transit systems.”
“Increasing zero-emission and low-emission modes of transportation helps protects the health of our communities and our State,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to see this funding help support a cleaner, safer future for Illinoisans and the next generation throughout the Quad Cities, while modernizing MetroLINK’s services. I will continue working alongside Senator Durbin to ensure our communities receive the much-needed Federal resources they deserve.”