Canal Corporation Announces Public Meeting Scheduled for Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge Project

ALBANY, NY (11/09/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Canal Corporation today announced an Open House/public meeting will be held regarding the Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge project on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Lynch Middle School Cafeteria in the City of Amsterdam, Montgomery County (directions below).

Rep. Paul Tonko said, "I would like to thank the Canal Corporation for taking the lead on the pedestrian bridge and scheduling this hearing so residents can give their input on the project, which will be important to ensure that the bridge will truly reflect the fabric of our community. I will not be at the meeting because of scheduled votes in Washington, however I urge all those interested to attend and help shape this important project."

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said, "The Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge will not only help increase public access and recreation by providing a connection to Amsterdam's waterfront and the Canal System, but will also provide an economic boost to the region. The Canal Corporation looks forward to receiving public input to help advance this important project."

The purpose of the meeting is to gain public input for use in determining the bridge type, project concept, amenities and potential uses of the Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge, which was authorized by the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005. New York State Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation employees will be present to discuss project specifics and answer questions from the public.

The Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge project, which is in the preliminary design and engineering phase, will help to provide emergency access to the area adjacent to Riverlink Park and will be a starting point for the connection of Riverlink Park to Guy Park Manor. Upon completion, the Amsterdam Pedestrian Bridge will be a year round destination for recreation, public access and economic development.

For more information on the public meeting, please contact the New York State Canal Corporation at (518) 436-3055. For more information regarding the Canal System, please visit www.nyscanals.gov or call 1-800-4CANAL-4.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority (Authority). Since 1992, following State legislation transferring the Canal System from the New York State Department of Transportation to the Authority, Canal operating and maintenance activities have been supported by Thruway toll revenue.

Directions to Lynch Middle School:

Take the New York State Thruway to Interchange 27. Follow Route 30 North and take a left onto Route 5 West. Bear right onto West Main Street and then take a right onto Guy Street. Turn left onto Guy Park Avenue and take a quick right onto Brandt Place.

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The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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