Canal Corporation Announces Completion of Erie Canalway Trail Repairs

The Canal Corporation today announced that needed repairs have been completed on portions of the Erie Canalway Trail in Perinton (Monroe County) and Macedon (Wayne County).

Repairs were made to existing asphalt where tree roots had damaged paved sections and to existing stone-dust surface sections where significant erosion had occurred. The stone dust was replaced with asphalt pavement to prevent further erosion.

"Despite the difficult economic climate, it is important that we continue to strive to make the Erie Canalway Trail a world-class recreational and economic resource," Canal Director Mantello said. "Although these repairs may seem minor to some, it is important to maintain and improve what we have and prevent even more costly repairs. The investments we make today will not only save money down the road, but will help reap a significant economic return in the future."

More than three-quarters of the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany is now complete. A 2008 economic impact study of New York State Canal System tourism conducted by Eric Mower and Associates estimated that more than 2.4 million people visit the Canalway Trail annually, spending more than $27 million.

The trail surface repairs were completed by Floyd Frey Inc., of Macedon, N.Y.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the public's patience while the repairs were made.

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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 more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov. For information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com or call 518-474-0445.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority. Canal operating and maintenance activities are supported by Thruway toll revenues.

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