Beech Tree News Network

UPDATE: The Bridget Renea, replacement ferry barge for Reed’s ferry, began its last leg of travel down the Green River Wednesday morning as those who helped build it and others watched. The trip, expected to take four hours according to the crew, was to begin at mile mark 142, Aberdeen boat ramp.  It would pass the old Borah ferry site at mile mark 132, then on to the Reed’s ferry site at mile mark 123. 

***

Butler County will soon be the home of a new and improved river ferry. The ferry was transported by Grandview Welding from Tompkinsville and was escorted by Sheriff Scottie Ward and Deputy Heath West. It arrived earlier today in two separate sections.

The new ferry, will replace the outdated and underpowered Reed's Ferry. For years, operators of Reeds Ferry have had continuing problems with transporting heavy farming implement across the Green River with the small 18 foot wide deck.  The new ferry has an extended 24-foot wide deck and is a little over 50 feet long. The new ferry cost $300,000, all of which was covered by grant money.

The ferry will be assembled at the J. Guy Cook Boat Ramp beneath the Aberdeen Bridge. Assembly is expected to be complete by Wednesday; afterwards the ferry will make the journey down the Green River to its new home. Reed’s Ferry is sure to provide many years of service to Butler County. The ferry was named Bridget Renea, by the builder.