August, 2006 Tugboat Roundup Ready to Get Underway in Eighth Year WATERFORD MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Keeping History Afloat
1 Tugboat Alley
Waterford, NY 12188 August 30, 2006
For Immediate Release: Event will be biggest yet, will feature new vessels and attractions
more... June, 2006 Severe Flooding Causes Major Damage Along NYS Canal System Canal Corporation Personnel Monitoring Conditions and Beginning Cleanup
Public Cautioned to Avoid Boating and Swimming in Closed Sections of Canal New York’s Historic Canal System has been crippled by severe flooding which has caused major damage at locks and maintenance facilities and forced the closing of 45 of the System’s 57 locks. Nearly 300 miles of the 524-mile waterway remains closed to navigation. Canal Corporation personnel are working around the clock to monitor water levels and assess damages at locks along the Mohawk and upper Hudson Rivers where the most severe flooding has occurred. Crews are coordinating with State and local agencies through the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and have begun recovery operations at facilities where possible. It may be more than a week before the waters recede enough for Canal Corporation personnel to assess the full extent of the damage on the Canal System and the Canalway Trail. Sections of the waterway are likely to remain closed for at least several weeks.
more... $750,000 in EPF Grants for Local Parks, Preservation and Waterfront Projects In Western New York Seven Grants Include $350,000 for Darwin Martin House in Buffalo Governor George E. Pataki today announced Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants totaling $751,870 for seven open space, recreation, preservation, and waterfront revitalization projects in Erie and Niagara counties. A highlight of the awards is a $350,000 grant for restoration work at the Darwin Martin House, a National Historic Landmark in the City of Buffalo. "This funding continues our efforts in Western New York to protect green space, expand recreational opportunities, revitalize waterfront communities, and safeguard local historic treasures such as the Darwin Martin House." said Governor Pataki. "These awards provide valuable support and assistance to municipalities, helping them preserve a variety of local landmarks, develop additional access to waterways, and enhance recreational and tourism opportunities that support economic development."
more... Old Fort Niagara Visitor Center Open Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for $5 Million Facility to Promote History and Tourism The new $5 million visitor and interpretive center at the Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site in Youngstown, New York opened today. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the multi-phase project - a new visitor and education center created through the adaptive reuse of a former U.S. Army commissary building. The Governor also announced a $128,980 Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) award toward the new center to the Old Fort Niagara Association (OFNA), which operates the site. The new $5 million visitor and interpretive center at the Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site in Youngstown, New York opened today. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the multi-phase project - a new visitor and education center created through the adaptive reuse of a former U.S. Army commissary building. The Governor also announced a $128,980 Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) award toward the new center to the Old Fort Niagara Association (OFNA), which operates the site. “Today’s ribbon cutting marks another successful step in strengthening the visitor experience in the Niagara region and promoting the unique role the Fort has played in history,” Governor Pataki said. “In celebration of this special day, the announcement of the EPF award continues our longstanding commitment to preserving and improving this property and safeguarding the Fort’s military heritage that helped shaped our nation.”
more... Canal Corporation Announces Partnership with Green Thumb Environmental Beautification, Inc. Over 40 Senior Citizens Work to Beautify Grounds Along the Canal System The New York State Canal Corporation today announced it has signed a contract with Green Thumb Environmental Beautification, Inc (Green Thumb), to maintain and beautify the grounds along the New York Canal System. As part of this contract, which is valid through April 30, 2007, over 40 income-eligible senior citizens are hired as part-time seasonal workers to perform duties such as mowing lawns, trimming shrubbery, planting and caring for flowers, painting and custodial duties. “For over 30 years, the Canal Corporation has been pleased to utilize the services of Green Thumb,” Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said. “This is a wonderful project that not only benefits the Canal, but allows these seniors to make a positive and lasting contribution to their communities. The duties Green Thumb performs on the land surrounding the Canal System are a vital component to keeping our lock sites aesthetically pleasing, which attracts even more visitors to the canal.”
more... First Annual Canal Splash! Slated for August 12-13 Weekend-Long Series of Local Events to Highlight Canal Greenway Corridor The New York State Canal Corporation will be conducting the first annual Canal Splash on the weekend of August 12-13, 2006. The Canal Splash will consist of a coordinated series of locally organized events designed to highlight the history, beauty, culture and recreational appeal of the New York State Canal System and/or Canalway Trail. Any Canal corridor community, business, club or non-profit organization may participate in the Canal Splash! Examples of local events include, but are not limited to: nature or history walks along the canal or Canalway Trail; museum or gallery features or openings; group bicycle rides on the Canalway Trail; rowing regattas; Canalside business or restaurant specials; kayak or canoe tours; cruise boat tours; canal festivals, concerts and more. Creativity is encouraged!
more... Robert J. Kresse New Chair of the Niagara River Greenway Commission Buffalo Civic Leader to Lead Effort Promoting Regional Waterfront Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he appointed Robert J. Kresse of Buffalo as Chair of the Niagara River Greenway Commission. Mr. Kresse will lead the fourteen-member Greenway Commission as it works with local communities to develop a regional plan linking parks, trails and recreation areas and creating economic interest along the waterfront between downtown Buffalo and Niagara County. “Bob Kresse’s enthusiasm and longstanding dedication has been instrumental in helping to protect cultural landmarks, support innovative programs and foster successful public-private partnerships that have helped improve the quality of life for Western New Yorkers,” Governor Pataki said. “I’m confident his energy and commitment as Chair of the Niagara River Greenway Commission at this critical and exciting time will help provide a strong foundation as it works to create opportunities among the scenic parklands and beautiful waterfronts that are hallmarks of the Buffalo-Niagara region.”
more... $250,000 in New Funding for the Port of Albany $2.1 Million in Multi-Modal Funding Supports Infrastructure Improvements Statewide Governor George E. Pataki today announced $250,000 in new multi-modal transportation funding to support engineering and design work necessary for the reconstruction of the wharf facilities located at the Port of Albany. The new funding will be part of the Albany Port District Commission’s $12 million wharf rehabilitation and replacement plan designed to maintain the Port of Albany as a viable means for transporting goods. “The Port of Albany plays an important role in the Capital Region’s economy, and is a historic part of our State’s transportation infrastructure,” Governor Pataki said. “The $250,000 in new multi-modal transportation funding helps ensure that the Port remains competitive and continues to be a central site for distributing cargo throughout the State and nation.”
more... May, 2006 Irish Music Festival to Cruise New York’s Canal System 10-Day “Festival on the Erie” Takes Place June 2 – 11 from Waterford to Syracuse Local Concerts to Feature Well-Known Regional and International Performers New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today announced that “Festival on the Erie,” a traveling 10-day Irish music festival, will hit the waters of the Canal System this Friday, June 2 in Waterford, NY and conclude on Sunday, June 11 in Syracuse. The Festival is being organized by the Boys of Wexford, LLC in conjunction with the Canal Corporation and will feature more than 20 well-known regional and international musicians. “We are proud to partner with the Boys of Wexford LLC and local canal communities on what promises to be an exciting ten days of Irish music and culture on the New York Canal System,” Mantello said. “The unique and eclectic cultural heritage inherent to the Erie Canal corridor is unparalleled anywhere else in the country. This event will celebrate a significant and enduring part of New York’s history, while providing fun-filled family entertainment for residents and visitors to the Canal.”
more... Canal Corporation to Hold Regional Meetings on Governor’s Proposed Canal Revitalization Legislation Three Meetings to Be Held in Syracuse, Greater Rochester and Capital Region New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today announced that a series of three public informational meetings will be held across the State to solicit feedback and answer questions regarding Governor Pataki’s recently proposed Canal Revitalization Legislation. The Governor’s Canal Revitalization legislation proposes separating the Canal Corporation from the Thruway Authority to establish a new independent State Canal Corporation. The Governor’s legislation also would create an Erie Canal Greenway that will revitalize and transform the Canal System into a world-class recreational destination. The meetings will be held on the following dates:
more... Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails NY Announce Free Roundtables to Promote Cycling Along the Canal Bicyclists Bring Business!
Free Roundtables Will Discuss How to Attract and Profit from the Growing Canalway Trail Bicycle Tourist Market The New York State Canal Corporation is partnering with Parks & Trails New York to present a series of free roundtables on the growing bicycle tourist market along the Canalway Trail. The roundtables are scheduled for Monday, May 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Palmyra Inn, 955 Canandaigua Road, Palmyra and Tuesday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises, 210 Market Street, Lockport. The New York State Canal Corporation is partnering with Parks & Trails New York to present a series of free roundtables on the growing bicycle tourist market along the Canalway Trail. The roundtables are scheduled for Monday, May 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Palmyra Inn, 955 Canandaigua Road, Palmyra and Tuesday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises, 210 Market Street, Lockport. Entitled "Bicyclists Bring Business," the roundtables will focus on how to attract and profit from the growing number of Canalway Trail bicycle tourists. Local business people, elected officials, Chambers of Commerce, Tourist Promotion Agencies, and interested citizens are invited to attend.
more... Canal Corporation Board Approves Transfer to State Parks of Additional 900 Acres Under Delta Lake 1,622 Acre Expansion of Delta Lake State Park Will Increase Access and Provide New Recreational Opportunities in the Region The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that it will transfer an additional 902 acres of underwater lands, in addition to nearly 720 acres surrounding Delta Lake in Oneida County, to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as part of the planned expansion of Delta Lake State Park. The Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation Board approved the transfer at a recent meeting. The lands, identified as surplus to the needs of the Canal System, will more than double the size of Delta Lake State Park and provide new and expanded opportunities for waterfront recreation in the region. The Canal Corporation will maintain the rights to use, control, manage and operate the water resources of Delta Lake Reservoir as necessary for Canal purposes.
more... April, 2006 Excitement Reigns as New York State Canal System Opens for 181st Navigation Season Canal System Opens in April for First Time in 33 Years
New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today announced the opening of the 181st consecutive navigation season on the New York State Canal System. Originally slated for May 1, today’s early opening marks the first time in 33 years that the entire Canal System has opened during the month of April. "2006 promises to be a banner year in the long and celebrated history of this State and national treasure," Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said. "New state and federal initiatives have invigorated canal communities and are providing new focus and vision to promote the waterway as a nationally significant historic site and international tourism and recreational destination.
more... New York State Canal System to Open for Navigation Three Days Early in Time for Weekend Friday, April 28 Opening Will Mark First April Opening of Canal in 33 Years Press Release: NYS, April 24, 2006 New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today announced that New York’s Canal System will open for navigation three days ahead of schedule this year – on Friday, April 28 – marking the first time the entire Canal System will be open in April in more than 33 years.
more... Canal Corporation to Hold Public Information Meeting on Canalway Trail in Lyons, Wayne County Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, April 21, 2006 The New York State Canal Corporation will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 to allow the public to review plans for development of an 11.4-mile segment of the Erie Canalway Trail planned between Newark and Clyde, Wayne County. The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wayne County Historic Court House, 26 Church Street, Lyons, NY.
more... Creation of Mohawk River State Park Marks Earth Day Celebration Press Release: NYS , April 20, 2006 Governor George E. Pataki today announced that New York State will create the first State Park in Schenectady County on a 107-acre nature preserve along the Mohawk River in the Town of Niskayuna. The new Mohawk River State Park is located near Lock 7 of the Erie Canal and the Hudson-Mohawk bike path; it is the 175th State Park and the 25th the Governor has opened since 1995. "With Earth Day approaching, it’s the perfect time to build on our commitment to protect the natural resources along the historic Erie Canal by celebrating the creation of a new public park," Governor Pataki said. "This acquisition is a milestone for the region and will provide residents and visitors to Schenectady County with the exceptional recreational opportunities offered by our award-winning State Park system. The new Mohawk River State Park will not only protect these scenic natural resources, but also improve the quality of life for county residents by providing greater access to public parkland and additional waterfront programs and activities."
more... Availability Of 2006 Tug Urger Educational Program For New York’s Fourth-Graders Historic Tugboat to Travel Canal System to Promote History of New York’s Canals Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, April 11, 2006 The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the Tug Urger Educational Program schedule is available for the 2006 school year.
more... Canal Corporation Announces 2006 Calendar of Events More Than 85 Festivals, Events and Attractions to Showcase Canal Communities New Events Planned for 2006 Include Canal Splash! ’06 – Canalwide Celebration August 12th -13th to Feature dozens of Guided Hikes, Bikes, Paddles, Interpretive Cruises, Discounted Admissions to Historic Sites and More The New York State Canal Corporation today released its 2006 Calendar of Events, a comprehensive listing of fun, family-friendly festivals, events and attractions along the 524-mile Canal System.
more... March, 2006 21 Sponsors to Attend Quality Communities Conference State Agencies to Be On-Hand to Discuss Grants & Assistance Opportunities at April 26th Event at Burgundy Basin Inn, Perinton, Monroe County The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that it has secured twenty one sponsors to-date to host a one-day, statewide conference entitled: Quality Canals for Quality Communities, April 26th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Burgundy Basin Inn in the Town of Perinton, Monroe County. Sponsors of the April 26th event, which include over a dozen key State agencies, will be on-hand to provide information about grants, loans and technical assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations. Attached is a list of sponsors. The conference will highlight efforts along the Canal System to implement Quality Communities principles and is designed to help local officials, community planners, businesses and not-for-profit organizations implement effective land development, preservation and rehabilitation strategies that promote both economic development and environmental protection, while capitalizing on the potential of the Canal System.
more... Governor Announces $10 Million For State Canal System Funding Will Support New Initiatives to Enhance Community Revitalization Directs Canal Corporation to Eliminate Recreational Boater Tolls Press Release: NYS March 22, 2006 Governor George E. Pataki today announced that his 2006-07 Executive Budget contains $10 million in new funding to support the creation of an Erie Canal Greenway. The new funding, along with a number of new initiatives, will enhance tourism, recreation and economic revitalization along the New York State Canal System.
more... Hudson Cleanup Plans Near Completion; EPA Also Releases Community Health and Safety Plan Press Release: EPA, March 22, 2006 Reaching another important milestone in the cleanup of the Hudson River PCBs site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received a draft of the final design plan for the first phase of the cleanup project from the General Electric Company (GE). The document, which will be thoroughly reviewed by the Agency, contains key information about the dredging operations to be performed in the Upper Hudson and a detailed layout of the sediment dewatering and transfer facility that will be built in Fort Edward, New York. A community health and safety plan is also included as an appendix to the draft Phase 1 Final Design Report.
The draft final design report received yesterday from GE lays out a construction schedule that differs from EPA’s projected plan to begin dredging in 2007. We are carefully reviewing the construction milestones in the report to see if adjustments can be made that will keep us on track toward a 2007 dredging start date.
EPA is making all of the documents available to the public for review. The public input period for comments on the draft of the Phase 1 Final Design Report, including
the layout and design of the dewatering and transfer facility, will be open until April 24, 2006. The Agency is also concurrently asking for public comments on the Remedial Action Community Health and Safety Plan through April 24. This draft design report for the first phase of Hudson River dredging reflects public input on facility siting, preliminary design plans and the development of stringent performance standards designed to protect communities and to minimize quality of life impacts, actively solicited over a four-year process. EPA will continue these robust outreach efforts to ensure that the project is designed and implemented in a safe, timely and effective manner.
A public meeting on the draft final design report is scheduled for April 4th at 7 p.m. at the Fort Edward Firehouse. This meeting is being held to present the details of the draft final design plans and to highlight changes made to the intermediate design plans. The Draft Final Design Report is available on EPA’s Hudson River project Web site at http://www.epa.gov/hudson.
more... Canal Corporation Announces New Operating Hours For 2006 Extended Springtime Hours to Encourage Greater Tourism and Recreation on Canals Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, March 21, 2006 Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, today announced that boaters and visitors to the historic New York State Canal System will be able to enjoy two additional hours of Canal cruising when the 2006 season begins on May 1.
more... Governor Announces Preservation Of 1,800 Acres Of Forest Lands In The Adirondacks Agreement Will Add 1,000 Acres to Forest Preserve, Protect 800 Acres through Easements, and Expand Historic Canal Routes in Hamilton and St. Lawrence Counties Press Release: NYS March 21, 2006 Governor George E. Pataki today announced an agreement to preserve 1,800 acres of forest lands in the Adirondack towns of Long Lake, Hamilton County, and Colton, St. Lawrence County, protecting valuable wilderness lands, including 4.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline on Lows Lake, and increasing public access for recreational activities.
more... Irish Music Festival Coming to Canal System This Summer 10-day "Festival on the Erie" Will Highlight the Songs and Spirit of the Irish Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, March 14, 2006 Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, today announced plans for a 10-day traveling music festival and celebration along the New York State Canal System this summer. The “Boys of Wexford” – an ensemble musical cast from around the northeastern United States – will travel from Waterford in Saratoga County to Syracuse on the Erie Canal from June 2-11, bringing the sounds of Ireland to upstate New York and honoring the achievements of the many Irish immigrants who helped build the Canal.
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