The Cave-in-Rock Ferry remains closed as a funding dispute continues, leaving residents and businesses without the key Ohio River crossing between Hardin County, Illinois, and Crittenden County, Kentucky. The ferry suspended operations July 1 after its previous funding agreement expired without a new contract. The closure has now lasted three consecutive months, with no reopening date announced.
The free ferry normally carries about 300 vehicles per day, including people traveling for work, medical care, shopping and tourism. Motorists have been forced to use lengthy alternate routes, while businesses on both sides of the river have reported impacts from reduced traffic.
Ferry operator Lonnie Lewis said earlier this summer that rising operating and equipment costs have made the service increasingly difficult to sustain. Illinois and Kentucky initially offered approximately $1.88 million annually under a new two-year agreement. Kentucky officials later said the combined offer was increased by 10%, bringing annual support to more than $2 million. Pressure for a resolution has continued to grow. The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce and Marion City Council previously adopted resolutions calling for the ferry to reopen.
Southern Illinois lawmakers State Sen. Paul Jacobs and State Rep. Patrick Windhorst renewed their calls for an agreement October 1st, citing the continuing impact on residents, businesses, healthcare access and commerce.
The lawmakers say they have been in contact with Kentucky legislators, transportation officials and the ferry operator in an effort to find a solution.
For now, however, no agreement or timetable for reopening has been announced, as the ferry shutdown enters its fourth month.