Canal Corporation Announces Navigation Season Closes Monday, November 15

The New York State Canal Corporation announced today that the Canal System's 185th consecutive navigation season will officially close at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2010.

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello joined with State and local officials at an event at Lock E-6 in Waterford, Saratoga County, to mark the closing of the season and to announce the completion of major repairs to Lock E-6.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "The New York State Canal System is a national treasure that this year New Yorkers shared with the World Canal Conference in Rochester. During this past navigation season, the people of New York State and from around the world were able to enjoy the many recreational activities and events the Canal System has to offer."

State Senator Roy McDonald of Saratoga said, "The great canal system we have provides unique opportunities for families to spend quality time together outdoors while also learning about the significance of the canal system in the history of New York state. The recently completed improvements will ensure these."

Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari of Cohoes said, "As another successful navigation season comes to a close at the NYS Canal System, we can pause to reflect on all that made 2010 great and look forward to an even better year in 2011."

Canal Director Mantello said, "For 185 years, the Canal System has welcomed people from around the world to the cities and communities lining the waterway. During this navigation season we witnessed a nearly two percent increase in traffic, and more events and festivals happening than ever before. Even though the waterway will close to boaters, there is still a great deal of fun to be found in the waterfront communities of the Canal System throughout the winter months. More than 150 winter events are scheduled. During the next few months, the dedicated canal staff will be making preparations for an historic 186th navigational year beginning next Spring."

Beth Sciumeca, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said, "2010 was a great year on and along the Canalway, with more people discovering and enjoying their history, parks, trails, and main streets all connected by our world-renown canal system. We look forward to an even bigger year in 2011."

At today's event, Director Mantello and area officials unveiled recently-completed improvements at Lock E-6.

The lock rehabilitation included resurfacing the concrete chamber walls, the replacement of gates, and the rehabilitation of machinery and electrical components of the structure. The electrical systems of the upstream guard gates were also upgraded.

Site improvements included the construction of an overlook platform to provide visitors with a vantage point to view the lock in operation, as well as the surrounding scenery.

The Lock E-6 project was completed under a contract with Kubricky Construction Corp. from Glens Falls, N.Y.

During the winter months, Canal Corporation employees will be hard at work repairing buoys and other equipment retrieved from the waterway in the Fall.

In addition, century-old equipment used to operate the 57 locks and 20 lift bridges, along with the dozens of water control structures, buildings, and other facilities are repaired and rehabilitated. Certain locks throughout the system are completely pumped out to allow maintenance crews to inspect and repair portions of the lock that are normally underwater. This work must be accomplished in only four months to ensure that canal employees are ready for the re-opening in Spring 2011.

The Canal Corporation has also announced the availability of the 2010/2011 Winter Calendar of Events, a listing of festivals, events and attractions along the 524-mile canal corridor. The calendar includes a variety of holiday events and winter-oriented activities, both indoor and outdoor.

The complete 2010/2011 Calendar of Events is available online at: http://www.nyscanals.gov/exvac/calendar/index.html . Please visit the website frequently throughout the winter months for updates and new activities.

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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.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority. In 1992, State legislation transferred the Canal System from the New York State Department of Transportation to the Thruway Authority. Canal operating and maintenance activities are supported by Thruway toll revenues.

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.

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