FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2006
CANAL CORPORATION CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF RICHMOND AVENUE RAILING PROJECT IN CITY OF LOCKPORT
Canalside Project Part of Extensive Downtown Revitalization Plan
New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today joined State and local officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Richmond Avenue Railing Project, a decorative and historic railing along the Erie Canal in downtown Lockport. The project is an important component in the City’s downtown waterfront revitalization plans.
“The completion of this Railing Project marks another important step forward in the effort to transform downtown Lockport by enhancing the City’s historic connection to the Erie Canal,” Director Mantello said. “This project, in conjunction with other revitalization efforts taking place here on Richmond Avenue and the restoration of the historic Flight of Five, are helping Lockport capitalize on the rich history, heritage and recreational opportunities that the Canal brings to communities and attract more visitors and development to the region. It is the first step in achieving a larger vision for this area and we are proud to have played a role in making that vision a reality.”
The railing project replaces an existing steel pipe railing and concrete barrier on Richmond Avenue with decorative iron railing that is more in keeping with the historic nature of the waterfront and blends aesthetically with the City of Lockport’s overall vision for the area. The new railing and barrier incorporates both historical integrity and public safety concerns.
The newly completed railing is part of the Lockport Historic Canal Park development that will transform nearly two acres adjacent to Locks 34 and 35 on the Erie Canal with streetscape improvements and adaptive reuse of historic 19th century buildings for retail and mixed commercial use. The development project has received more than $2 million in State, local and federal funding as part of Governor Pataki’s Quality Communities Initiative, administered by the Department of State.
State Senator George Maziarz said, “This railing project is a key piece of the puzzle in our efforts to improve the form and function of Lockport’s historic canalfront. Making the Richmond Avenue area attractive and user-friendly are the right ingredients for bringing new vibrancy to downtown and making Lockport and the Erie Canal a real destination for visitors.”
State Assemblyman Mike Cole said, “This important project embraces Lockport’s rich history and cultural heritage by redeveloping the area around the locks and Canal System that inspired generations of the past and invests in Lockport’s promising future. I’m honored to be a part of that great effort and excited for what it means to our community.”
Lockport Mayor Michael Tucker said, “I appreciate Director Mantello and the New York State Canal Corporation committing their time and resources to our community in building this canal railing. We enjoy our partnership with them and look forward to working together on future projects that benefit our community.”
Secretary of State Christopher L. Jacobs said, “The Department of State is pleased to be a partner in the transformation of Lockport's Erie Canal waterfront. Thanks to Governor Pataki's strong leadership and commitment to waterfront and downtown revitalization, the Department of State has provided grant funding from the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and the Quality Communities Program for the city to create the Lockport Historic Canal Park. Once this major redevelopment project is completed, the city will have an exciting destination that capitalizes on its location along the canal.”
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 news and information about events and attractions along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.state.ny.us.