Canal Corporation Reopens Canalway Trail and Canal Lands in Lockport

New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello joined with Lockport Mayor Michael W. Tucker and other state and local officials to reopen the Canalway Trail at Lock E-34/35 that had been closed due to a significant rock slide in June 2008.

The Canal Corporation recently completed a rock slope stabilization project, making the trail and area surrounding Lock E-34/35, including the historic Flight of Five, safe for visitors, tourists and Canal employees.

Canal Director Mantello said, "I am excited to be here today to help reopen the trail for visitors and allow the public access all areas of the historic Flight of Five, a cornerstone of tourism, culture and history here in Lockport. I thank Canal staff and our contractor, Nichols Long & Moore and the Dale Association for their assistance, and the Hydraulic Race for their patience, while the rock slope was being repaired."

State Senator George D. Maziarz said, "This ceremony today is about more than the re-opening of the Canalway Trail. It also marks a concerted effort to maintain and preserve the Erie Canal in the communities which owe their existence to the historic man-made waterway. I am very happy for Lockport residents and visitors to the Lock City who will again be able to benefit from full Canalway Trail access."

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin said, "I am excited and encouraged to see this successful development project in the growing Canal Community of Lockport. With the work of Mayor Mike Tucker, economic development officials, combined with strong support from my office and all vested public officials, I am confident that Canal Side will see continued expansion and attract investment from a variety of businesses, tourists and residents alike."

Mayor Michael W. Tucker said, "My thanks to Director Mantello and the New York State Canal Corp. for making this very important project a priority for the City of Lockport. The trail is an important part of our Erie Canal tourism and as always I appreciate their support."

The repairs to the rock slope became necessary after a piano-sized boulder was dislodged from the slope and landed on the Canalway Trail in June 2008. The trail and Canal lands immediately surrounding the area were closed due to safety concerns and to allow for the repair project to proceed. The wall has since been stabilized and a rock catchment fence installed.

This section of trail in Lockport is a link in the statewide Canalway Trail System, a network of over 280 miles of multi-use, recreational trails stretching along all four branches of the Canal System. When completed, the Canalway Trail will be one of the longest, continuous trails in the nation.

The Dale Association, owner of land adjacent to this site, allowed use of its property to facilitate the rock slope repairs.

The contractor hired by the Canal Corporation was Nichols Long & Moore of Lancaster, N.Y.

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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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