Completion of Improvements Along Glens Falls Feeder Canal and Towpath Trail Are Announced

ALBANY, NY (09/15/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today joined State Senator Elizabeth O'Connor Little, Queensbury Town Supervisor and Warren County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Dan Stec, Glens Falls Mayor Jack Diamond, Feeder Canal Alliance President Howard Raymond, and other state and local officials to announce completion of connection improvements to the Glens Falls Feeder Canal and Towpath Trail, and officially open the improved waterfront. The Canal Corporation provided two grants totaling $149,595 for completion of these projects.

Canal Corporation Director Mantello said, "The Canal Corporation is pleased to have worked with both the Warren County Planning Department and the Feeder Canal Alliance on these projects. Communities all along the Canal continue to embrace this incredible historic and natural resource and make it the centerpiece of their revitalization and tourism efforts. These grants help to build on those investments by promoting additional public access, amenities, and development along the canal to help revitalize Upstate New York."

Congressman Scott Murphy said, "The Feeder Canal Trail is more than a recreational opportunity for residents and visitors, it is also a tribute to the engineers and laborers who built the infrastructure of Upstate New York over 150 years ago. I will continue to work to make sure that we are able to highlight all of Upstate New York's rich history and natural beauty."

State Senator Little said, "New York's economic rise was, in large part, due to the canal system created in the mid-1800s. It is inspiring to think of the vision, engineering and hard work that went into that effort so long ago. Maintaining the canal system and the recreational trails that tie into is important not only for historical significance but because this is a great recreational and economic asset."

Assemblywoman Teresa R. Sayward said, "The improvements to the Feeder Canal and Towpath Trail have helped preserve the proud history of our region. The Canal played a significant role in the economic vitality of the region and will yet again offer economic benefit as a historic tourist attraction."

Warren County Chairman Fred Monroe said, "Warren County is pleased to have partnered with the City of Glens Falls, the Town of Queensbury and the Feeder Canal Alliance on this important project to enhance the Glens Falls Feeder Canal and Towpath Trail."

Queensbury Supervisor and Vice Chairman Dan Stec said, "This project will both improve the recreational opportunities and quality-of-life for Warren County's residents as well as present an attractive destination for those looking to visit our beautiful area."

Feeder Canal Alliance President Howard Raymond said, "The Feeder Canal Alliance, with membership support, is pleased to have been a not-for-profit organization partnering with local municipalities and Canal Corporation in order to bring about these improvements to the parks and trails. These enhancements will provide visitors with an opportunity to enjoy recreational, historical and educational experiences along the canal and trail."

Glens Falls Mayor Jack Diamond said "This is a great addition to our region's recreational offerings. It adds to the quality and character of this beautiful resource and is another great example of the many offerings that draw visitors to our region."

Kingsbury Supervisor James Lindsay said, "The Town of Kingsbury looks forward to working with the NYS Canal Corporation, City of Glens Falls, Town of Queensbury, Warren County, the Village of Hudson Falls and the Feeder Canal Alliance to maintain and enhance this beautiful trail system that runs from Overlook Park and Haviland's Cove through Hudson Falls and Kingsbury."

Hudson Falls Mayor John Barton said, "The Village of Hudson Falls is proud to be a partner in the enhancements to the Feeder Canal Trail and its parks. I look forward to the Feeder Canal Alliance's and Canal Corporation's continued success in improving the trail system and parks. The benefits to our communities are endless. I would also like to thank the DPW crews for their efforts."

The "Warren County – Improving Feeder Canal Community Connections Project" has expanded community connections along the Glens Falls Feeder Canal and the Towpath Trail with $140,585 funded by the New York State Canal Corporation through the Erie Canal Greenway Grant Program.

Warren County partnered with the Canal Corporation, the City of Glens Falls, the Town of Queensbury and the Feeder Canal Alliance, a not-for-profit entity whose mission includes preserving and expanding public use of the Feeder Canal Towpath and associated structures. Work has been completed in both the Overlook Park in the Town of Queensbury and Haviland Cove in the City of Glens Falls. Site improvements to both parks included resurfacing of the roadways, trailways and parking areas, including Haviland Cove, where school buses park. Electrical services were also installed in both parks, including the pavilion in Haviland Cove. Benches, tables, grills, and a covered pavilion were installed in Overlook Park. Additionally, 3.6 miles of towpath trail was resurfaced by county work forces with stonedust for use as a bike and pedestrian trail.

In addition, the Canal Corporation provided $9,000 to complete signage along the seven-mile Feeder Canal Trail in both Warren and Washington Counties. Weathered signs were refurbished and replaced, and obsolete signs were replaced with new interpretive signs.

Today's event also included a rededication of the Moore Bridge, which was originally installed in 1990.

The Erie Canal Greenway Grant Program, administered by the Canal Corporation, was created to help spur community revitalization along the 524-mile Canal System. Fifty-four Greenway grants were awarded on a competitive basis to communities and non-profit organizations for capital projects that enhance and promote tourism, recreation, historic interpretation, and community revitalization in 19 counties along the New York State Canal System. All grants require a 50-percent match in local funds or in-kind services.

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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.

The Canal Corporation is a proud sponsor of the 2010 World Canals Conference to be held in Rochester, New York from Sunday, September 19, 2010, through Thursday, September 23, 2010. For more information about the World Canals Conference, please visit the website www.wccrochester.org.