We Mean Business. Illinois Business.
 
 

Ferry grants three wishes: time, fuel, and stress reduction
By Kerry L. Smith

   GRAFTON - Commuters to St. Charles County will soon have another travel option, in the form of a 15-vehicle ferry, to route them across two major U.S. rivers and save them nearly an hour of drive time each way.

   The Grafton Ferry, set to begin operations in September, is the result of a year of paperwork, permits and consideration by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coastguard, Jersey and St. Charles counties, the city of Grafton and numerous economic development players.

   A three-man team comprising the Grafton Ferry Boat Co. - a retired engineer, farmer and a marine service operator - will own and operate the daily excursions.

   "First and foremost, this ferry will be a utility for the daily commuter," said Pete Tully, one of the owners. "A commuter living in Jerseyville, for example, currently drives 45 minutes to an hour to work (in St. Charles County, Missouri). If that commuter takes the ferry, from Grafton across the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to St. Charles County (at Grafton Ferry Road), that ride would take between eight to 12 minutes."

   Thinking of savings on an annual basis, Tully said commuters who drive five days a week from the Grafton area to a St. Charles area employer could save thousands of miles each year of wear on their cars.

   Reduced fares will be offered during the first month of operation, as a means of swaying commuters to try a different transportation mode. Once regular rates take effect, he said, the standard fare would be $6.50 one way. Commuters will be able to purchase a book of ferry tickets that brings the trip's cost down to $5 per crossing.

   "The city of Grafton has effectively gained a new airport," said Tully, referring to the St. Charles County Airport location on Grafton Ferry Road, just minutes from where the ferry launches on the Missouri side.

   Ferry proponents are touting the new excursion option not only as a commuter time saver and gas saver, but also as a boon for Illinois and Missouri companies who regularly move product across state lines.

   "We know of one distributing business here in Jerseyville that bought out a St. Louis business and moved 80 percent of its facility to Illinois," said Brent Thompson, executive director of the Jersey County Economic Development Corp. "Glacier Ice Co. is already planning on using the ferry as its product distribution channel."

   The Brussels Ferry, located just north of the Grafton Ferry crossing, is a state-operated vessel that will continue to run.

   Tully said the ferry also opens up a major opportunity for St. Charles County's employers to expand their workforces and recruit skilled laborers and professionals living in Illinois who previously would not have considered the commute.

   "It opens up an entire business corridor that will no doubt benefit Southwestern Illinois and St. Charles County, as well as Greater St. Louis," Tully said.

   The benefit to the Grafton area's tourism business is obvious, Thompson said.

   "The Grafton Ferry will cross two national scenic byways, carrying eagle watchers, those enjoying Sunday brunch at the (Pere Marquette) lodge and those who just want to take a short, leisurely ride across the waters to enjoy a nice dinner and return home," he said.

   A ferryboat formerly owned by American Barge Co., a sister ship to the Golden Eagle Ferry, is the actual vessel. Tully said a contest would be held to rename the tugboat.

   Two landings - one on each side with an elevation of 426 feet, will be constructed.

   In the 1960s, Thompson said, there had been a working ferry that deposited passengers in roughly the same locations, but after several years of operation, the owner experienced health problems and the ferry ceased.

   "These guys (Grafton Ferry Boat Co.) have jumped through a lot of hoops to make this happen," he said. "With the arrival of the Grafton Ferry, all of a sudden, Grafton becomes very accessible. And that accessibility translates into more opportunities for Jersey County and St. Charles County than we can imagine."

   "It's the cheapest bridge you can build," Tully said.