FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2006
MEDIA ADVISORY
Lock Closures on New York State Canal System Due to High Water Levels
The New York State Canal Corporation has closed the Erie Canal from Lock E-2 in Waterford to Lock E-22 in New London/Sylvan Beach and the entire Champlain Canal due to high water. Recent heavy rains have resulted in flood waters rising above many Canal navigation locks along the Mohawk River.
The Waterford flight has been closed to thru traffic because of high water; however, the Canal Corporation is allowing vessels to take refuge in the flight from the Hudson River until the high water subsides.
The National Weather Service has forecast that water levels will continue to rise throughout the day on Wednesday and crest early Thursday morning.
Presently, the Canal remains open west of Lock E-22 including the western Erie Canal to Tonawanda, Oswego Canal, and the Cayuga/Seneca Canal. These areas received considerably less rainfall than the eastern and southern portions of New York State and the water levels are presently within navigation ranges.
Further updates and information are available by monitoring 1-800-4CANAL4 or visiting www.canals.state.ny.us and clicking on News and then Notice to Mariners.
-30-