Cave-in-Rock ferry service could be disrupted if contract lapses

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is advising the 300 daily drivers who regularly use the Cave-in-Rock ferry that service could be disrupted at the end of this month.

That's when the current two-year contract will expire between the ferry operator and the Ohio River Ferry Authority, who handles the funding provided by the states of Kentucky and Illinois.

KYTC said they have been in talks with IDOT and the ferry authority since February. A draft agreement was shared with the ferry operator in early April after Kentucky's state budget was approved.

This week, the ferry operator notified the ferry authority that they are rejecting the proposed contract, citing issues with the proposed funding.  

KYTC said the offer would increase reimbursement for the ferry by 13 percent, which they say is in line with funding increases for other ferries in the two states. The ferry operator countered with a demand for a nearly 30 percent increase in funding. 

Since 2018, annual reimbursements to the Cave-in-Rock Ferry have more than doubled, from $804,000 six years ago to $1,662,000 this year. KYTC says during the same period, Kentucky's five other state-funded ferry operations have increased but at a dramatically smaller rate. 

KYTC officials will continue to work on an agreement to continue ferry service at Cave-in-Rock. The states will also explore alternative options to provide a cross-river connection should the operator decide to discontinue their ferry service. 

The shortest alternative drive between Marion, KY, and Cave-in-Rock, Ill. over the Shawneetown Bridge would take about 35 minutes longer than a trip on the ferry. 



(Photo: Cave-in-Rock ferry Facebook)