Canal Corporation Announces Renewed 20-Mile Canalway Trail Segment in Madison and Oneida Counties

ROME, NY (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the official opening of a newly rehabilitated 20-mile Canalway Trail segment in Madison and Oneida counties.

The reconstructed trail between State Route 13/Peterboro Street in Canastota and Fort Bull Road/Erie Canal Village in Rome is part of the 38-mile bike-and-hike Erie Canalway Trail along the Old Erie Canal State Park from Dewitt to Rome.

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello hosted the Canalway Trail ceremony at Lock 21 in New London in Oneida County. The event was attended by numerous State and local officials, community members and trail volunteers.

The project features a 10-foot wide crushed limestone and asphalt surface trail. Informational sign kiosks were installed at the trailhead in Canastota and at Erie Canal Lock 21. Improvements were also made to the trail crossing at Lock 21. In addition, a hiker-biker-boater campsite was installed at Lock 21.

The $2.12 million project was sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation with funds from the Federal Transportation Enhancement funds administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "The history of the Erie Canal is a source of pride for all New Yorkers and a key element in the continued development of Upstate New York. The Erie Canalway Trail provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience the beauty and history of the Erie Canal."

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "With the rehabilitation of the Canastota-to-Rome Erie Canalway Trail section, we are one step closer to maintaining the history of the Erie Canal and the rich character of Upstate New York. Preserving the Erie Canal Corridor promotes our natural heritage and maintains access for our communities and tourists alike. Revitalizing our local walkways, bicycle paths, and transportation corridors will promote economic development, create new jobs, and promote vibrant communities for the future."

Congressman Michael Arcuri said, "The Erie Canal is an important part of our heritage here in Central New York, but over the years it has been neglected and forgotten. By turning the canal-front into a livable, walkable and green section of our communities, it will drive tourism, recreation, and improve the quality of life for residents."

Canal Director Mantello said, "The rededication ceremony today represents another step forward in our efforts to connect canal communities and encourage increased recreation, tourism, and economic development along the entire Canal System. The partnerships forged between the Canal Corporation and numerous organizations, including state and local governments, are vital to the Trail's success. Completion of the Canalway Trail will provide a tremendous statewide link, creating new and exciting recreational opportunities in Oneida and Madison counties and all along the scenic and historic Canal Corridor."

State Senator Dave Valesky said, "The continued development and expansion of the Canalway Trail system will help us to reconnect our local communities and provide the opportunity to expand tourism, further rebuilding our Upstate economy. I look forward to continuing the expansion of this project and the economic growth it will provide for Upstate New York."

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "I'm looking forward to walking along the renovated trail myself. The partnership between State government and municipalities to combine history, recreation and culture works when cooperation and initiative come together. I commend Director Mantello on her continued work to improve the Canal System."

Assemblyman Dave Townsend said, "I am extremely pleased that the Canalway Trail rehabilitation in Madison and Oneida counties is now complete. The historic Canalway is a wonderful recreational resource and I am confident that the new and improved Trail will provide the area with exciting tourism and economic development opportunities. Local residents will see real benefits from the Canalway opening and I commend all those who partnered on this project to make it a success."

Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito said, "The original Erie Canal is an historic gem known throughout the world as a major factor in our country's industrial revolution and westward expansion. This 38-mile biking and hiking trail will provide a link from the Syracuse area to Erie Canal Village, helping to boost attendance to this site, and to the nearby Fort Stanwix National Monument. The original Erie Canal is a unique attraction that our state's tourism agencies can promote to visitors out of the area, but it also an excellent recreational resource for area residents, and for school students who are studying our state's history."

Rome Mayor James F. Brown said, "The completion of this segment of the trail will not only provide enhanced recreation opportunities for our residents but will also enhance our tourism and development efforts along this corridor and our entire community. Amenities like this are vital to improving the quality of life we enjoy. I appreciate the vision of Canal Corporation Director Carmela Mantello and look forward to the successful completion of the last few remaining portions of this statewide system."

Todd Rouse, Mayor of the Village of Canastota said "These improvements to the Erie Canalway Trail, which runs through the center of our Village, are a welcome addition to our efforts to enhance our downtown area. The Village has several initiatives under way to create economic development opportunities along the Canal Corridor and provide our residents with additional recreational opportunities. These improvements to the trail fit nicely into our community."

Town of Lenox Supervisor Rocco DiVeronica said, "The Town of Lenox is honored to play a role in preserving our heritage and history and to contribute to a project that continues to enhance tourism and economic development in New York. We all benefit from the restoration of our historic Canal System."

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said, "Rehabilitating this section of trail with the Federal funds made available to New York State through the Transportation Enhancement Program provides residents and tourists with a great way to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Mohawk Valley and Erie Canal. The Erie Canalway Trail is a wonderful cultural resource, allowing New Yorkers an opportunity for recreation and exercise while learning about the State's remarkable history."

Rob Hiltbrand, Central Region Director of the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation, said "The Erie Canalway Trail is an ideal way for cyclists, runners, hikers and others to explore the scenic and historic Erie Canal. The trail improvements are another reason for tourists and local families to come out and enjoy this fascinating recreational resource. State Parks is grateful to the Canal Corporation for spearheading the project."

The project was developed in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which operates and maintains the Old Erie Canal State Park. Additional partners include Madison and Oneida counties, the City of Rome, the Village of Canastota, and the Towns of Lenox and Verona. The project, started in 2009, was constructed by Ulster Paving Company from Canastota, N.Y.

More than three-quarters of the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany is now complete.

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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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