FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 27, 2005
STATE TASK FORCE RELEASES REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF THE CANALS
Outlines Recommendations for Creation of Erie Canal and Empire State Greenways
The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the availability of its Interagency Task Force Report on the Future of the Canals. The report culminates a five-month public outreach process that sought feedback and ideas from State, local and federal officials, community organizations, businesses, residents and Canal stakeholder groups on Governor George E. Pataki’s proposal to create an Erie Canal, and eventually, an Empire State Greenway linking Niagara Falls to New York City.
In May 2005, the Governor unveiled his vision for an Erie Canal Greenway and Empire State Greenway that would foster greater collaboration in land-use planning, tourism, recreational trail development and other regional initiatives. The Governor called for the Canal Corporation to create an Interagency Task Force to examine and make recommendations regarding the creation of the Greenways and the future duties and functions of the Canal Corporation. The final report is being delivered to the Governor for his consideration.
The Interagency Task Force, led by New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello, consists of Commissioners and representatives of the New York State Thruway Authority, State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Empire State Development, Office of General Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of State, and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission.
The full report is available for download from the Canal Corporation website at: www.canals.state.ny.us. To request a copy of the report on compact disk, please call the New York State Canal Corporation at 518-436-3055.
-30-