New York State Canal Corporation Announces New Signage at Lock 32 in Pittsford

New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello joined Pittsford Town Supervisor William A. Carpenter and other state and local officials to unveil a new informational sign kiosk at Erie Canal Lock 32 in Pittsford, Monroe County.

The two-sided kiosk includes information about the history of the New York State Canal System and a map of the system. The kiosk is intended for boaters and the many landside users who visit the Lock 32 Canal Park.

Canal Director Mantello said: "These new signs provide an attractive and accessible way to tell the story of our canals and the growth of our state and nation. As we strive to improve the Canal System for our users, amenities such as this will help attract new and returning visitors."

State Senator James S. Alesi said, "When first opened for business nearly two centuries ago, the Erie Canal quickly became a symbol of American ingenuity and prosperity that fostered unprecedented economic growth and job creation. Recently Rochester hosted the World Canals Conference wherethe ongoing economic importance and historical significance of canals are celebrated. Certainly second to none, today, the Erie Canal serves residents of Rochester, Monroe County, and all of New York as a unique recreational and educational treasure. The new informational sign kiosk will provide visitors a snapshot of the Canal's heritage, and canal users a map of the current Canal System. It is a welcomed addition to Lock 32 Canal Park."

Assemblyman Joseph A. Errigo said, "The Canal System is an important part of this region's history. Making the history more accessible for the visitors of Lock 32 is great. The kiosk only adds to an already beautiful site and should serve to make the trip to the lock not only enjoyable, but educational."

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said, "As County Executive, I am proud of the countless treasures our community has to offer our residents and tourists alike. The Erie Canal Lock 32 informational kiosk will, without question, prove to be a pivotal asset in helping visitors learn the significant role the locks have had in shaping Monroe County to be the first-class community it is today."

Town Supervisor William A. Carpenter said, "The addition of the sign kiosk to Lock 32 will help enhance this site as well as assist visitors who want to learn more about the Canal and Pittsford. I want to thank Director Mantello for spearheading this initiative and the work she has done educating the public about some of Pittsford's best assets -- the Erie Canal and Lock 32."

Peter J. Abele of the Erie Canal Boat Company said, "Local canal improvement projects like those in Brighton, Pittsford, and Perinton bring new jobs, more dock space and improved public access. The state, local communities, and businesses like the Erie Canal Boat Company, all working together can make this happen. These improvements, while vital, are only part of the equation. It takes amenities, like these information kiosks, bathrooms, potable water, overnight campsites, and picnic pavilions, that can be used by not only local folks, but travelers and tourist using the canal and bike path."

In addition to improvements at Lock 32, two-sided sign kiosks also were recently installed at Lock 33 in Brighton, Perinton Park, Middleport, and Lock 34/35 in Lockport.

The kiosks were installed by Canal Corporation maintenance crews. Canal Corporation signage is designed in accordance with guidelines developed in 1999 which results in consistency across the state and helps reinforce the identity of the statewide Canal System.

-30-

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.

###