For Immediate Release: August 4, 2005
CANAL CONNECTIONS TOUR STOPS IN LOCKPORT
Community Collaboration Sought in Shaping the
Erie Canal and Empire State Greenways
Improvement Funds Announced for Richmond Ave., Locks 34 and 35
LOCKPORT, N.Y. -- Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, today met with local officials, community and business leaders, and other canalway organizations as part of a community outreach initiative seeking input from groups interested in the Canal's future and Governor George E. Pataki’s proposal for the Erie Canal Greenway and the Empire State Greenway at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises.
“Community involvement is a key component in generating a successful future for the Erie Canal Greenway,” said Ms. Mantello. “This is an opportunity to share the Governor’s vision of an interconnected greenway that stretches from Niagara Falls to New York City and to seek input with communities and partners along the canal system.
“I look forward to hearing from communities in the Niagara, Erie and Orleans region about their vision for the future of the canal system,” continued Ms. Mantello. “Working together and balancing our economic and environmental resources will revitalize the canal corridor, a national treasure.”
During her visit to Lockport, Ms. Mantello also announced that the Canal Corporation will contribute $578,000 to the Quality Communities Initiative for the Richmond Ave. neighborhood. The funds will be used to reconstruct the Canal railing that runs along Locks 34 and 35, and Richmond Avenue.
“The revitalization of the Richmond Avenue railing is a critical component in making this neighborhood a safe and visually appealing place to live, work and play,” said Ms. Mantello. “This project further demonstrates the important improvements that can be accomplished when the State, local officials and community groups collaborate. This is what building a Greenway is all about.”
The Richmond Avenue site improvements are part of Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue’s Quality Community Initiatives. This project is also being funded by the New York State Department of State and the City of Lockport.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Director Carmella Mantello. I support Governor Pataki’s vision of an Erie Canal Greenway,” said City of Lockport Mayor Michael Tucker. “We sincerely appreciate the Canal Corporation’s contribution for the new Canal railing that will enhance our development on Richmond Avenue. This is an exciting time for the City of Lockport and its residents.”
The Canal Connections Tour is one component of the New York State Canal Corporation Interagency Task Force’s extensive outreach effort to gather input and ideas from Federal, State and local planners, as well as from Canal interest groups.
Information collected on the Tour will be used in developing recommendations for creating the new Greenways. The Task Force will submit recommendations to Governor Pataki, who will use them in drafting legislation to establish the Erie Canal Greenway next year.
In the coming months, the Tour will make more than 10 stops at various locations along the Canal System. The next regional meeting will be Tuesday, August 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Queensbury Hotel, located at 88 Ridge Street in Glens Falls, NY.
An email address has been set up so community members can submit their input, ideas and concerns regarding the Erie Canal Greenway. Comments should be sent to: eriegreenwayfeedback@canals.state.ny.us.
The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the
Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles
across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake
Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history
and culture.
For more information about tourism attractions along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.state.ny.us.
Visit our background page for more information regarding the Canal Tour.
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