FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2006
UPDATED MEDIA ADVISORY
A Western Portion of the NYS Canal System to Re-Open;
Several Major Closures Still in Effect
The New York State Canal Corporation has announced the opening of Lock E-25 and Lock E-26 on the Erie Canal and Lock CS-1 on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July, 2, 2006. This will allow boaters to travel to and from the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in the Finger Lakes Region and the Western Erie Canal. Boaters should use caution and limit their wakes while transiting this portion of the Canal as water levels remain high.
Travel is not permitted east of the junction of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Erie Canal, as the Erie Canal remains closed from Lock E-2 in Waterford, Saratoga County, to Lock E-24 in Baldwinsville, Onondaga County. The entire Champlain Canal and Oswego Canal remain closed. These closures are expected to remain in effect through the holiday, at a minimum.
Crews are coordinating with Federal, State and local agencies through the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and have begun recovery operations at facilities where possible.
The public is strongly cautioned to avoid swimming, boating or going in or near the water in sections along the Mohawk River due to dangerous conditions, unknown contaminants and heavy debris in the water.
Further updates and information are available by calling 1-800-4CANAL4 or visiting www.canals.state.ny.us and clicking on News and then Notice to Mariners.
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