Media Advisory/photo Opportunity, Thursday, August 5

NYS Canal Corp. Will Announce Dredging Project at Utica Harbor

ALBANY, NY (08/04/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Canal Corporation will hold a news conference at 1 p.m., Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the Utica Harbor Lock in the City of Utica. (Please see the directions below.)

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello will join with state and local officials and canal enthusiasts to announce the start of dredging of the harbor with a ceremonial re-opening of the refurbished Utica Harbor Lock.

The recently completed rehabilitation of the lock by the Canal Corporation will allow dredging to occur for the first time in 30 years. The dredging will allow use of the harbor for future recreational, tourism and economic development opportunities.

Members of the media, including photographers, are invited to attend. For more information regarding this event, please contact the Carmella Mantello (518) 436-3055.

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.

Directions to the Utica Harbor Lock:

Exit the New York State Thruway to Interchange 31 (Utica, Routes 8 &12, I-790). Follow the "Downtown" ramp over the bridge. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Genesee Street, heading south. After going over a bridge, turn right into the NYS Department of Transportation facility. Turn left onto the road along the Canal and pass the DOT Maintenance Facility. Follow the road to the end to the Utica Harbor Lock.

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

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