For Immediate Release: June 2, 2005
CANAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES CANALWAY TRAIL DEDICATION IN ADAMS BASIN
The New York State Canal Corporation today officially dedicated an 18-mile Canalway Trail segment in Monroe and Orleans Counties. The trail between Albion and Adams Basin links two existing Canalway Trail segments to create a continuous 90-mile bike and hike path adjacent to the Erie Canal from Lockport to Palmyra.
“This project’s success and completion is a true example of our dedication to the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail,” said Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “As with many other Canalway Trail projects, the partnerships forged between the Canal Corporation and numerous organizations, including state and local governments, are vital in the trail’s success.”
The 18-mile segment is part of Governor Pataki’s five-year Canal Revitalization Plan that calls for completing the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Lake Erie to the Hudson River. Approximately 60 percent of the Erie Canalway Trail is now complete. The $2 million project was funded with Federal Transportation Enhancement funds administered by the NYS Department of Transportation and $400,000 in matching funds from the NYS Canal Corporation. Additional partners in this project were Orleans County, Monroe County the Genesee Transportation Council and Town and local officials.
“Completion of the Canalway Trail will provide a tremendous statewide system presenting numerous recreational opportunities along a scenic and historical corridor,” added Fleischer.
This year’s Canalway trails celebration is coupled with Governor Pataki’s
unveiling of a bold new vision to create “The Erie Canal Greenway,” representing
a new chapter in the future development of the Canal which was announced last
Friday, May 27, 2005. This exciting, new direction for the Canal will restore,
revitalize and afford greater protection of one of New York’s most valuable
resources and become a central link in the Governor’s long-term strategy of
creating an Empire State Greenway.
The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of approximately 260 miles of multi-use, recreational trails across upstate New York. Major segments are adjacent to the waterways of the New York State Canal System or follow remnants of the historic original canals of the early 1800s that preceded today’s working Canal System.
When completed, the Canalway Trail System will provide nearly 500 miles of multi-use trails for outdoor and recreational enthusiasts along the historic Canal System. The segments of the trail system connect with other trails leading throughout New York State, providing one of the most extensive trail networks in the country.
Senator George D. Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) said, “I’m thrilled that today we are opening up new opportunities for recreation in Orleans and Monroe Counties. When the entire Canalway Trail is completed, spanning hundreds of miles across upstate New York, we will look back on today as an important step in bringing our dreams to fruition. It is fitting to mark this occasion during this week in which we celebrate the many benefits we see from trail development.”
Assembly Minority Leader Charles H. Nesbitt (Albion, Orleans County) said, “Congratulations to all involved in the development of the 18-mile segment of the Canalway Trail in Orleans and Monroe Counties. This hike and bike path will be enjoyed by the many families in our area as well as add another attraction to draw visitors to our scenic corner of Western New York.”
"I am pleased that Monroe County had this opportunity to work with the Town of Ogden and the Canal Corporation," said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. "The canal is a great community resource and these improvements will make the canal more accessible and make this area safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists."
To obtain a free map of the New York State Canalway Trail System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4. To learn more about the Canalway Trail System, visit the Canal Corporation’s Website at www.canals.state.ny.us/canalwaytrail.
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