State, federal officials help dedicate new ferry tugboat

Monday, October 13, 2003
Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond greets officials gathered for the dedication of the new Dorena-Hickman Ferry tugboat Friday (Photo by Scott Welton, Staff)

DORENA - State and federal officials from both Missouri and Kentucky gathered on the Dorena-Hickman Ferry Friday to celebrate the dedication of "Dorena II," the ferry's new tugboat.

Community leaders on both sides of the Mississippi have done a great job keeping the vital heartland link open, according to Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond.

"It has taken a lot of hard work by a number of folks to make the Dorena-Hickman Ferry a success," Bond said. "Tourists traveling in the region, farmers striving to make a living and local folks all look upon this ferry as an important part of transportation infrastructure linking two great states."

Since 1996, Mississippi and New Madrid counties in Missouri and Fulton County in Kentucky have gained significant social and economic benefits due to the ferry service including the shipment of goods and services as well as the facilitation of employment, recreation and tourism.

"The important link provided by the Dorena-Hickman Ferry to Kentucky and our good friends and neighbors in Missouri provides transportation to thousands of folks each year," said Harold Garrison, Fulton County Judge-Executive. "We are grateful to Sen. Kit Bond for making the acquisition possible and look forward to our great Kentucky-Missouri partnership growing stronger in the years to come."

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Bond has been able to secure critical federal dollars for this project over the years, including $500,000 in 2001 for the new tugboat and other improvements.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: