Section 55 ILCS 5/5-1119 - Ferries(a) The county board in any county that is bordered by the Mississippi River and that has a population in excess of 62,000 but less than 80,000, as determined by the last federal decennial census, shall have the authority to own and operate a ferry, as provided in this Section, in any unincorporated area of that county for the purpose of conveying persons, motor vehicles, and other property across the Mississippi River.(b) Each county board exercising the powers granted under this Section shall have the following specific powers: (1) To construct, or to acquire by purchase, lease, gift, grant, or condemnation, ferries and the necessary land, bridges, and approaches to operate ferries.(2) To receive State or federal aid or grants to defray the expenses in purchasing or operating a ferry.(3) To enter into contracts, not to exceed 10 years in duration, with a municipality, the federal government, an adjacent state or any of its political subdivisions, or a corporation, firm, or person for the maintenance or operation of the ferry, including the collection of a reasonable toll.(4) To maintain, regulate, and collect tolls on each ferry it owns or operates.(c) The powers granted by this Section are in addition to any other powers granted to a county by law.