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Channel Cat Back in Service

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MetroLINK

Now that the Mississippi River is finally back below flood stage, the Channel Cat Water Taxi has officially launched its new season. 

Jennifer Hirsch, from Metro Link, says not only was the river too high for the boats to operate safely, but their docks were also under water. 

"Last week finally the water receded and we were able to get out to the docks and assess the cleanup. Saturday we were able to get out a little bit and start service."

Usually the Channel Cat begins traveling between the Iowa and Illinois sides of the river during the Memorial Day weekend, but this year's constant flooding delayed the start by about one month. 

Hirsch says initially, just three of the docks are open - TGI Fridays and Riverbend Commons in Moline and the Isle of Capri in Bettendorf - while the fourth, in the Village of East Davenport, should open by later this week. And she's grateful to the three cities for helping to make the docks accessible. 

The Channel Cat is now operating 7 days a week, with the same ticket prices as last year - available on board or by using the Channel Cat mobile app.
 

A native of Detroit, Herb Trix began his radio career as a country-western disc jockey in Roswell, New Mexico (“KRSY, your superkicker in the Pecos Valley”), in 1978. After a stint at an oldies station in Topeka, Kansas (imagine getting paid to play “Louie Louie” and “Great Balls of Fire”), he wormed his way into news, first in Topeka, and then in Freeport Illinois.