Peoria city council members have cast a majority vote to potentially rejuvenate river cruising on the Illinois River. In a meeting on Tuesday, a 9-2 vote backed the investment of $22,630 to join the Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative (IRCTI). This bid aims to not only protect the river's ecosystem but also to reel in sustainable economic growth. With the proposed initiative, they are looking to entice American Cruise Lines to include Peoria as a stop on its route, as reported by 25 News Now.
According to the plan, visitors would fly into Chicago and then sail from Ottawa down the Illinois River, stopping at Peoria, and eventually either heading north towards Minneapolis or south to St. Louis on the Mississippi River, PJStar outlines. Advocates believe this could infuse the same kind of vibrancy and revenue that the former Spirit of Peoria brought to the area.
Despite the initiative's broad support, council members Denis Cyr and Alex Carmona voiced opposition. Carmona advocated for to keep in mind future budgetary concerns without incurring additional expenses, emphasizing a more business-centric approach. Cyr, on the other hand, called attention to the city's EPA mandate to reduce its river pollution. "I think it’s a big investment that will pay off greatly for tourism," Council member Denise Jackson expressed optimism about the project, as she conveyed to 25 News Now.
Mayor Rita Ali and eight other council members endorsed Peoria's membership in IRCTI, with Ali claiming the initiative will "attract millions of dollars to Peoria." Although council member John Kelly voted in favor, he maintained a degree of skepticism about the group's ability to deliver on the promise of funneling federal dollars into the city, as per his statement to PJStar. The coalition the city joins includes regional cities all connected by their stake in the Illinois River, aiming to strengthen its environmental and economical standing.
