For Immediate Release: August 9, 2005
CANAL CONNECTIONS TOUR STOPS IN GLENS FALLS
Champlain Canal Community Collaboration Sought in
Shaping the Erie Canal and Empire State Greenways
GLENS FALLS, 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 the Queensbury Hotel.
“It is crucial to develop strong relationships with canal communities in order to ensure the Erie Canal Greenway has a successful future,” said Ms. Mantello. “The Governor’s vision of an interconnected greenway that stretches from Niagara Falls to New York City can become a reality with the participation of communities and partners along the canal system.
“I look forward to hearing from communities in Saratoga, Washington and
Warren counties about their vision for the future of the canal system,”
continued Ms. Mantello. “The Champlain Canal is steeped in our nation’s history
and I am confident through collaboration with the State, local officials and
community groups we will be able to revitalize this historic waterway and
national treasure.”
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.
“I appreciate the Governor and his vision regarding the role of the state canal system in New York tourism and commerce,” said Mayor Robert A. Regan, City of Glens Falls. “The Erie and Champlain canals played a vital, even indispensable, role in the development of our region. This is a great opportunity to build on that legacy as local and regional, public and private-sector partners work together to maximize its potential in new and creative ways.”
“Lakes to Locks Passage is pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Canal Corporation to develop a partnership for the Erie Canal Greenway," Janet Kennedy, executive director of Lakes to Locks Passage. "Our communities, which line the northern waterway to Quebec, have been building a gateway for international visitors to New York State. We share the desire for a regional approach to balance economic development with resource management."
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 in Albany, Tuesday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bank of America building Boardroom located at 69 State Street.
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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