NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM

All mariners are advised that the 2009 New York State Canal System navigation season will begin this Friday, May 1^st. 

Mariners are further advised that the upper Hudson River dredging  project, administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and General Electric (GE), will be in progress during the 2009 Navigation Season at locations proximate to Lock C-7 in the Town of Fort Edward and the Fort Edward Yacht Basin, and up to Lock C-8.  The dredging operations are lighted, have day shapes and arrow boards displayed.   Due to construction activities during the season, mariners may experience occasional short-term delays at Lock C-7 in Fort Edward. 

Additionally, please note that initial dredge-related activities beginning May 1^st and continuing during the first week of the season will include:

(1) barge assembly operation immediately south of Lock C-8

(2) tree removal/tree trimming operations at Buoy area: Red 218 – 222.

PASS WITH CAUTION- NO WAKE ZONE

Mariners are reminded that excessive wakes are detrimental and dangerous to dredging personnel and equipment.  Be mindful that all mariners are responsible for their wakes and the damages they cause. Please use caution and be mindful of your vessel wakes when transiting these locations and pass at a “No-Wake” speed.

Mariners are advised that local and state marine patrols will enforce posted speed limits in this area. Please note that the speed limit between locks C6 – C8 will be 5 mph in all work zones.  Mariners are further advised to comply with all signage and directions posted in and around the dredge areas.

If mariners have any questions related to the dredging project, please call the EPA at (518) 747-4389 or GE at (518) 792-4087.

For updates and information on Canal conditions please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.nyscanals.gov.  Additionally, mariners may sign up for automatic e-mail and text message alerts through the Canal TRANSalert service.  This service is offered to notify mariners of major incidents and emergencies that may affect navigation on the New York State Canal System.  To register for this service, please visit www.nyscanals.gov/tas/.
 

Carmella R. Mantello Director, New York State Canal Corporation