For Immediate Release: June 21, 2005
THRUWAY AUTHORITY & CANAL CORPORATION BOARD ANNOUNCES CARMELLA MANTELLO AS NEXT DIRECTOR OF THE CANAL CORPORATION
The Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation Board announced today that Carmella Mantello has been appointed as the new Director of the Canal Corporation.
Governor George E. Pataki recently unveiled a bold new vision to create “The Erie Canal Greenway,” representing a new chapter in the future development of the Canal and recommended Ms. Mantello to lead this unprecedented initiative. 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.
Mantello leaves the position of Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Executive Director of Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. and Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, to serve as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation.
“Ms Mantello is a welcome addition to the Canal Corporation,” said New York State Canal Board Chairman John L. Buono said. “She is the ideal candidate to lead the Governor’s Erie Canal Greenway vision for the future of the New York State Canal System. I look forward to working with her in implementing the Governor's vision to ensure that the management of our Canal System continues to reflect the current and future needs of New Yorkers, both in terms of recreation and development.”
“Ms. Mantello has an exemplary record, especially with the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Quality Communities Task Force.” said Executive Director of the Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation Michael R. Fleischer. “Her experience with local communities and focus on building partnerships will make her well equipped to direct the Canal Corporation to lead this unprecedented initiative.”
Carmella Mantello stated, “I look forward to leading the Canal Corporation in this exciting new chapter and fulfilling the Governor’s vision for creating a new partnership between the Canal Corporation, our state and local governments, non-profit partners and local communities along the Canal.”
Under Ms. Mantello's leadership, the number of communities having joined the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council has grown to 223, the Greenway Land Trail has grown to over 525 miles of trails, and the Greenway Water Trail now includes over 70 designated sites and 10 campsites from Waterford, Saratoga Co. to Battery Park, Manhattan.
Prior to her service with the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Ms. Mantello was the Assistant Secretary of State with the New York State Department of State’s Office of Local Government and Community Services. Along with her responsibilities with the Department, she served as Project Director of the New York State Quality Communities Task Force and Program. Ms. Mantello also served eight years as a Troy City Council member.
In May of 2002, Governor Pataki announced 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 Governor's program provides $50 million over five years to fund a variety of new Canal projects, including $35 million to complete the Canalway Trail linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River. When complete, this Trail network will be the longest multi-use recreational Trail in the United States. The Governor's Trail Program is currently about two-thirds complete.
The Canal Recreationway Plan, developed by the Canal Recreationway Commission, identified seven sites that would be developed to serve as gateways and key destinations along the system. These Canal Harbor projects have been completed and now provide boater services and visitor amenities, enhanced public spaces, informational and interpretive signage, and increased recreational opportunities such as trail linkages. The seven designated sites are in Seneca Falls, the Tonawandas, Rochester, Waterford, Oswego, Whitehall and Little Falls.
In 2004, there were a total of 122,034 recreational lockings on the Canal System during its 199-day Navigation Season. In addition, tour boat lockings totaled 8,514 and hire boat lockings totaled 7,369.
Commercial shipping figures for 2004 were equally impressive, as 12,182 tons of cargo, valued at approximately $102 million were shipped via New York’s Canals.