Rochester-bound Flotilla Launches from Waterford

ALBANY, NY (09/13/2010)(readMedia)-- A flotilla of vessels today began a weeklong voyage to an international canal conference from Alcathy's in Waterford, Saratoga County, on the Erie Canal.

Among those on hand for the launch were Congressman Paul Tonko of Amsterdam, New York State Canals Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello, representatives of the Canal Society of New York State, local officials, and canal enthusiasts.

The flotilla's arrival in Rochester on September 19 coincides with the start of 2010 World Canals Conference.

More than 40 vessels are expected to join the flotilla. Included are historic and working boats from the New York State Canal Corporation fleet, historic tugboats, steamboats, canal boats, and a variety of recreational pleasure craft.

Watercraft are expected to join the group from locations across New York State for the seven-day journey along the Erie Canal. They will meet other vessels from Western New York in Rochester at the junction of the Erie Canal and Genesee River. The fleet will proceed south on the Genesee River in a grand parade to Corn Hill Landing for a festive watery salute on September 19 to officially open this year's conference. Other stops for sections of the flotilla include Amsterdam, Little Falls, Sylvan Beach, Baldswinsville, Lyons and Pittsford.

The World Canals Conference takes place September 20-24 in Rochester, and is expected to draw hundreds of delegates from the U.S. and 17 other countries to discuss canal-related topics including economic development and tourism along canals and waterways.

New York State Canals Director Mantello said: "The Canal Corporation is a proud sponsor of the 2010 World Canals Conference, hosted in our own backyard of Upstate New York. The momentum has been building for months and the flotilla is just one example of the renewed attention to our waterfronts and the revitalization we are witnessing along the Canal System. The canal staff and I will be excited to meet many of our fellow canal managers and enthusiasts from around the world and to learn and share our knowledge as we celebrate the New York State Canal System's past, present and future at this year's World Canals Conference."

Congressman Paul Tonko of Amsterdam said: "Congratulations to the New York State Canal Corporation for hosting the World Canals Conference, which will bring new attention to the treasure of waterways that weave their way through upstate New York. Our waterways represent a gold mine of opportunity that can drive tourism, economic development, and create jobs. I look forward to working with the Canal Corporation and local officials to continue the revitalization of our waterfronts."

State Senator Roy McDonald of Saratoga said: "This is extremely exciting to have this International event here at the Waterford Harbor. It is a unique national treasure and highlights the progress that's occurring in Upstate New York."

Town of Waterford Supervisor Jack Lawler stated: "The Town of Waterford is pleased to host today's kickoff of the 2010 World Canals Conference Flotilla and looks forward to bringing canal leaders and advocates from around the world to New York State. It's been a great season, and the Town of Waterford is thankful to the Canal Corporation for their partnership and leadership."

Peter Wiles, Co-Chair of the World Canals Conference Flotilla, said: "It is exciting to have historic vessels and local boaters from the far reaches of the canal system converge in Rochester for the conference. Canal communities across the state should celebrate their connection to this remarkable ribbon of water."

Tom Grasso, President of the Canal Society of New York State and Chair of the 2010 World Canals Conference, said: "Welcome to Rochester and World canals Conference 2010 - the "Olympics of the Waterways World." We are delighted to have 17 countries participate and hundreds of delegates registered to exchange ideas and showcase our iconic Erie Canal, its bristling developments, and the City of Rochester to the World."

Some of the highlights of this year's World Canals Conference include:

Sunday, September 19:

• Flotilla "Welcome" at Corn Hill Landing, Rochester

• Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Barge on the Genesee River

• Community Event at the Blue Cross Arena, Rochester

Monday, September 20:

• Plenary Session: New canal developments in Europe and the Americas

• Plenary Session: Uncovering and re-watering buried waterways in urban areas

Tuesday, September 21:

• "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" – boat tours of Buffalo's revitalized canal, canal harbor and grain elevator districts

Wednesday, September 22 through Thursday, September 23:

• Breakout Sessions on economic development and community revitalization; engineering management, transport and sustainability; marketing, tourism and recreation; waterways law; and, education and interpretation

Friday, September 24:

• Post Conference Study Tours: (1) Lockport/Niagara Falls; (2) Finger Lakes/Geneva; (3) Overnight cruise to Seneca Falls on the Mary Jemison

For more information about the World Canals Conference and a detailed listed of events and activities, visit www.wccrochester.org.

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The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority. State legislation in 1992 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.

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.

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.

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