FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2006
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Barge Completes Two-year Conversion into Restaurant;
Maiden Voyage on Canal Today En Route to Permanent Mooring in Watervliet
New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello is pleased to announce that after completing a two-year conversion of a massive cargo barge into a floating restaurant, the eatery will be towed by barge through the Waterford Flight today on its way to a permanent mooring at Hudson Shores Park in Watervliet, just north of the Congress Street bridge. Once in Watervliet, the barge will be attached to large “spuds” which have already been secured to the river bottom.
The colossal barge will be maneuvered away from the concrete wall where the conversion was completed between Lock 3 and Lock 4 in Waterford beginning at approximately 1:30 PM today. The barge will then be pushed by the tugboat “Herbert P. Brake” through Lock 3 and Lock 2 on the Waterford Flight, and continue down the Hudson River to Watervliet. The barge will be at Lock 3 at approximately 1:45 PM, Lock 2 at approximately 2:15 PM, and the Waterford Visitor Center at approximately 2:30 PM. Updates on the vessel’s location can be obtained by calling Captain Denny Donovan at (518) 376-9215.
Best viewing as the barge gets underway on its maiden voyage will be from Fonda Road Canal Park, near the gravel parking lot just to the east of Flight Lock Road.
Best viewing as the barge departs Lock 2 will be from the Waterford Visitor Center.
If you have any further questions regarding this advisory, please contact the New York State Canal Corporation at 518-436-3055.
Directions to Fonda Road Canal Park: Take the NYS Thruway to Exit 23 to I-787, then continue northbound to the end. Turn right onto Route 32 north over bridge into Waterford. After approximately two miles on Saratoga Avenue cross over the Erie Canal and take an immediate left onto 8th Street. Follow 8th Street north to the end and take a left onto Washington Avenue (over railroad tracks). Continue ˝ mile (you will see Canal facilities to your left) and turn left into gravel parking lot just prior to Flight Lock Road.
Directions to Waterford Visitor Center: From 787-North: Take the NYS Thruway to Exit 23 to I-787, then continue northbound to the end. Turn right onto Route 32 north over bridge into Waterford. After approximately two miles on Saratoga Avenue cross over the Erie Canal and bear right onto Broad Street. Proceed through two traffic lights and take right onto Second Street. Proceed to end of street, parking lot is on right (before bridge.)
-30-