ADVISORY: Erie Canal Inspection Tour Oct. 21

ALBANY, NY (10/19/2011)(readMedia)-- --

WHAT: Annual inspection tour of the Erie Canal.

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 21 (schedule below; times subject to change).

WHERE: Schenectady County and Saratoga County.

WHO: Canal Director Brian U. Stratton will meet with Canal workers, local officials and stakeholders. He will travel by tugboat from Lock 8 to Lock 7. He will be available to the media to talk about the importance of the Canals to the economy of Upstate New York.

CONTACT: John Joyce (518) 469-5836

R.S.V.P. to the Office of Public Affairs (518) 436-2983 if you want to ride all or a portion of the trip aboard the Tugboat Grand Erie. Ground transportation can be arranged. A chase boat will be available for photo opps.

BACKGROUND: http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/09262011ErieCanaltoOpen

SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, OCT. 21 (times are approximate):

8:30 a.m. Lock 8 (Scotia)

8:40 a.m. Board Canal tugboat

9:35 a.m. Lock 7 (Vischers Ferry)

10:15 a.m. Depart Lock 7 on Canal tugboat

11:45 a.m. Disembark from Canal tugboat at AlCathy's Marina, Waterford

12:45 p.m. through 3:40 p.m. Lock 2-3-4-5-6, Waterford.