Canal Corporation and Partners Kick Off Operation Dry Water and "Wear It New York!" Across Canal System

The New York State Canal Corporation, together with New York State Police Troop T Marine Unit and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at Alcathy's in Waterford (directions below) to kick off Operation Dry Water and "Wear It New York!" along the Canal System.

Operation Dry Water, taking place during the weekend of June 25-27, 2010, is an enforcement effort designed to highlight the dangers of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Wear It New York!", sponsored by State Parks and the National Safe Boating Council, is a public education campaign that asks boaters to sign a pledge to wear their life jackets.

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello will be joined by officials from the New York State Police Troop T Marine Unit, State Parks, and local officials.

Members of the media, including photographers, are invited to attend.

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.

For more information regarding this event, please call the New York State Canal Corporation at (518) 436-3055.

DIRECTIONS: From the New York State Thruway, take Interchange 23 (Downtown Albany, I-787) to I-787 North. Continue on I-787 North to the end. Turn right onto Route 32 North over the bridge into Waterford. After approximately two miles on Saratoga Avenue, cross over the Erie Canal and take an immediate left onto 8th Street. Follow 8th Street north to the end and take a left on to Washington Avenue (over railroad tracks). Continue about a half mile (Canal facilities will be on the left) and bear slightly left onto Flight Lock Road immediately after gravel parking lot. Continue up Flight Lock Road to the end (past locks 5 and 6). The road will dip sharply after the second guard gate (a bridge will be on the left) and will open into a large parking lot.

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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.canals.ny.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/.

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