Media Invited to Attend Canal Corporation's Opening Ceremony of 2008 Navigation Season

The New York State Canal Corporation will hold a press conference to announce the official opening of the New York State Canal System on Friday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center in Waterford, Saratoga County (directions below).

The press conference will be held in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) announcement that NYS has submitted to USEPA a petition to improve water quality in the New York State Canal System by adding the Canal System to the list of "No Discharge Zones" where the release of sewage from boats is prohibited.

State and local officials will join with Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello, representatives from DEC, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and New York State Department of State, and other canal enthusiasts.

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

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

Directions to Waterford Harbor Visitor Center:

Take the NYS Thruway to Interchange 23 to I-787 and continue northbound to the end. Turn right onto Rte. 32 North, continue to Waterford (Rte. 32/Broad St.); take Broad Street to Second Street, turn south and follow the brown Heritage Area Visitor Center signs to the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center parking lot. Press conference will take place along the canal wall just past the Visitor Center.

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