GRAFTON — The City of Grafton is moving forward with plans to operate a new ferry service connecting Missouri and Illinois, with payments coming from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in a grant.
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Godfrey Mayor Mike Morrow described IDOT District 8 as a “fantastic partner” in the project, which is also receiving support from federal funding sources.
The ferry service aims to serve not only Grafton but the entire region, including Missouri. “The entire region, Missouri involved, all behind it. Grafton behind it, with regional people coming from Missouri to Grafton and vice versa. It will be fantastic for people commuting for work,” Morrow said. He noted the ferry would provide a significant boost to tourism.
The ferry is planned to run year-round, 365 days a year, from morning until late dusk, with exceptions only when the river freezes over or during extremely foggy conditions.
At a recent city meeting, officials received news from IDOT regarding payment for the ferry expected sometime in January. The city secured a $1.45 million grant and it was announced at the last meeting, which initiated paperwork for the ferry vessel.
“We had to fill in paperwork for the ferry vessel, put it in and waiting for them to say ready for the next step, and we received it that Friday evening,” city officials said.
Discussions with Calhoun Ferry Company are ongoing, with preparations underway for a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026, at Grafton City Hall from 6 to 7 p.m. Residents can submit written comments prior to the hearing, with all related documents available at City Hall.
Of the IDOT funding, $875,000 is allocated for the purchase of the ferry, approved by IDOT last Friday. An additional $500,000 is designated for operational costs during the first two years.
The City of Grafton recently finalized an agreement with Calhoun Ferry Company, which is being printed and will be submitted to IDOT soon. Officials expect to complete operational preparations by April 10, 2025.
The ferry will operate downtown near the Grafton lighthouse, crossing both the Missouri and Illinois rivers with landings on each side.
Service currently runs Friday through Sunday, but the new plan would expand operations to seven days a week, running 16 hours a day during the workweek to accommodate commuter traffic. While the Calhoun County Ferry Company will continue to operate the service, ownership of the ferry will transfer to the City of Grafton.
