FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 9, 2002

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that work will start this year on a $50 million Canal revitalization program to complete the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail and to fund harbor and port projects all along the historic New York State Canal System.

The program will provide $50 million over the next five years to fund a variety of new Canal projects, including $35 million to complete the 348-mile Canalway bike and pedestrian trail linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River.

"Our investments in New York's historic Canal system are helping to bring millions of tourism dollars into Upstate New York and producing major economic benefits throughout the Canal Corridor," Governor Pataki said. "These new strategic investments in our Canal harbors, ports and trailways will revitalize the Canal and spur even more eco-tourism and economic development across the State. When completed, this trail will be the longest contiguous recreational trail in the United States."

The Governor's program will be financed with $25 million from the federal Department of Transportation Enhancement Program, which flows through the State Department of Transportation, and $25 million in Canal Corporation capital funds.

Senator George D. Maziarz said, "I have always considered myself fortunate to represent a district which includes a large section of the historic Erie Canal. My enthusiasm has grown with the announcement of this project which will expand upon the successful improvement initiatives already undertaken to make the Canal a lively fixture in the communities through which it flows for residents and visitors alike."

Assembly Minority Leader Charles H. Nesbitt said, "The historic Erie Canal is a major recreational attraction and a vital part of our Upstate tourism economy. These planned improvements to the Canal corridor will serve to make our region an even more alluring destination for tourists and families and benefit our local communities as well."

Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle said, "We are blessed to have a water resource like the Erie Canal running through the heart of Monroe County and many of its municipalities. Governor Pataki's commitment to the Canalway trail and the Canal itself will greatly expand this important resource for tourism and enhance the quality of life for our area residents. I welcome the Governor's announcement and appreciate his continued efforts to further strengthen our community and State."

Theodore Walker, Mayor, Village of Spencerport, said, "This new initiative will allow our community to continue implementation of our Canal plan. The Canal revitalization program announced by Governor Pataki will benefit the economy of New York State and the leisure time activities of New York residents and visitors. The village and community prides itself with our gazebo and boardwalk, the Lester Merz Park, the services and businesses available for the Canal and trail users, and the many activities that focus around the Canal."

Gay Lenhard, Supervisor, Town of Ogden, said, " We have been very fortunate in the past to have had the support of the Governor, as well as Senator George Maziarz, in developing the Canalfront area in our Village of Spencerport. The Clyde Carter Memorial Gazebo and the Lester Merz Memorial Park have been attractions for boaters which, in turn, have created positive economic opportunities for our community. As a town, we look forward to future initiatives along the Canal, which may include a boat launch for motorized craft, a launch site for canoes, kayaks, a boat house for storage of canoes and kayaks, as well as support areas for parking, picnicking and comfort stations."

Pieteer Smeenk, Monroe County Legislator, said, "The Canal revitalization program is an excellent opportunity to bring tourism and investment to Upstate New York. The historic Erie Canal will serve as a major recreational destination for tourists and is an integral part of New York's tourism economy."

Canalway Trail initiatives slated for 2002 include 44 miles of new multi-use trail projects in Monroe, Orleans and Montgomery counties. Work is expected to start this July. Another 26 miles of Canalway Trail rehabilitation in western and central New York is scheduled for 2003.

In addition, $3.8 million is earmarked for continued progress on the creation of a major waterfront attraction at the Syracuse Inner Harbor. Over $10 million will be spent over the next five years on Canal developments in communities such as Sylvan Beach, Brockport, Three Rivers, Schuylerville, and the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.

Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation Executive Director John Platt said, "The 237 miles of rehabilitated Canalway Trail we have completed thus far attracts thousands of cyclists, joggers and recreational users each year. By completing the remainder of this trail, we will be giving thousands of other non-boaters an opportunity to enjoy one of the greatest treasures in the Empire State ? the New York State Canal System."

Robert Brooks, Director of Canals, said, "The Canalway Trail will expand close-to-home recreational opportunities and provide quality of life benefits to Canal community residents. By providing walkers, cyclists and joggers a convenient place to engage in recreational activities, trails such as this one contribute significantly to the economy by encouraging investment in equipment, footware and other recreational needs."

The schedule for the five-year Canal revitalization projects is as follows:

Send mail to mhbway@yahoo.com with questions or comments about the Friends of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike trail.

Last modified: May 09, 2002