Cave-in-Rock ferry operating contract expires this month

State funding to operate the Cave-in-Rock ferry on the Ohio River runs out this month, and negotiations are underway with the ferry operator to continue service in July. But at last report, the two sides were far apart on their proposals.

Kentucky and Illinois have jointly funded the ferry service for years. The Ferry Authority was created by the Crittenden County Fiscal Court to oversee the management and operation of the privately-owned ferry on a 16-hour-per-day, 7 day per week schedule.

Since 2018, bi-state reimbursements to the Cave-in-Rock Ferry have more than doubled, from $804,000 to $1,878,000 this year. When the current contract was approved two years ago, the states authorized a 13 percent funding increase. 

In a press release from Frankfort, KYTC said, "state operations budgets are declining over the next two years, but given the vital role that this transportation link serves between Kentucky and Illinois, KYTC is proposing a continuation of the ferry service at FY 2026 contract funding levels for Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028. By contrast, the Ohio River Ferry Authority is seeking a 47% increase in state funding support for no increase in services.

"The states remain supportive of the Ohio River Ferry Authority and its mission to oversee operations of the Cave-in-Rock Ferry, but cannot afford to increase the level of state financial support for the ferry over the next two years."

KYTC said Kentucky's other state-funded ferry operations have seen significantly smaller increases in operational costs. Two ferries, Dorena Hickman and Augusta, charge riders a fee in addition to receiving state funding support. The Cave-in-Rock Ferry carries about 300 vehicles per day at no cost to travelers. 

When the ferry is not available, the alternative drive between Cave-in-Rock and Marion via the KY 56 Shawneetown Bridge takes about 35 minutes longer than a trip on the ferry.