Waterfront Upgrades on Erie Canal Improve Access to Lyons, Wayne County

The official opening of boater improvements to the Erie Canal waterfront at Lyons, Wayne County, was announced today by New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello, Assemblyman Robert C. Oaks and Lyons Village Mayor Corrine Kleisle at North Side Canal Park.

The $450,000 improvement project will improve boater accessibility to the village. The work was partially funded by a $202,452 grant from the Canal Corporation under the Erie Canal Greenway Grant Program.

Also attending the event were representatives of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and state and local officials. A flotilla of boats en route to the 2010 World Canals Conference Flotilla in Rochester joined the event at the Lyons waterfront.

Waterfront improvements include new docks on the north side of the Erie Canal between Leach Road Bridge and Route 14 Bridge. Electrical updates were made to existing street lamps and additional marina style outlets were installed at docking sites. On the north side of the canal, a 200-foot retaining wall with landscaping was installed. Shower and bathroom facilities were also constructed in the existing Village Fire Station.

South side improvements include parking lot enhancements, driveway access and a canoe launch, which is to be completed soon. In addition, picnic tables and other amenities were installed as part of the project.

Canal Director Mantello said, "The Canal Corporation is pleased to have worked with the Village of Lyons to facilitate this project. 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."

State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio said, "As the Senator whose district includes the largest portion of the Erie Canal, I strongly support projects that will enhance the canal's potential to capitalize on our area's natural resources and beauty. Our Canal System plays a critical role in the economic revitalization of our communities and in our tourism industry in the Finger Lakes. These critical improvements to the Lyons waterfront will increase utilization of our canals and waterways, driving business growth and job creation in our region."

Assemblyman Robert C. Oaks said, "These substantial improvements to services for canal users builds on Lyons' historical significance as a leading canal community. As participants for the World Canals Conference prepare to gather in Rochester and as the flotilla is on its way to Lyons, these exciting changes in Lyons further solidify our area's future opportunities to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world and assure their enjoyable visits to our region."

Mayor Corrine Kleisle said, "This joint project with the New York State Canal Corporation offers boaters, hikers, bicyclers, visitors and local residents an opportunity to enjoy the park amenities and is a catalyst to revitalization of our historic village. We are already receiving thumbs up reviews from all utilizing the new park. Lyons wishes to thank Director Mantello and the Canal Corporation for all their encouragement and help."

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 match in local funds or in-kind services.

A variety of vessels, including boats from the New York State Canal Corporation's historic and working fleet, historic tugboats, and a variety of recreational pleasure craft left earlier this week in unison from around the state for a seven-day journey along the Erie Canal. The vessels will meet at the junction of the Erie Canal and Genesee River for a grand parade Sunday, September 19, along the Genesee River to Corn Hill Landing in Rochester, the host city for the conference.

The Canal Corporation is a major sponsor of the 2010 World Canals Conference September 20-23 in Rochester.

"The Canal Corporation is proud and excited to be a major sponsor of the 2010 World Canals Conference hosted here in upstate New York on this grand waterway," said Canal Director Mantello. "The momentum leading up to the Conference and the accompanying flotilla is just one example of the excitement and increase in canal-related activities we are witnessing along the Canal System. The crescendo is continuing to grow as we partner to celebrate the canal's past, present and future at this year's World Canals Conference."

"Lyons is proud to have been chosen one of three official flotilla stops as historic canal boats and private boaters make their way on the Erie Canal to the 2010 World Canals Conference in Rochester," said Mayor Kleisle.

In 2000, thousands lined the Genesee River to watch an International Flotilla of 73 vessels when Rochester first hosted the World Canals Conference. Canal Corporation vessels participating this year include:

The Tug Urger, the flagship of the New York State Canal Corporation, was built in 1901 as a fishing boat and served for more than 65 years hauling machinery, barges and scows. The vessel is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places and is used for education and public appearances.

Ward's Island, a 1929 ferry that was rebuilt as a crane boat, is a specialized vessel that operates out of Syracuse and spends a lot of time on the Oneida Lake.

The Grand Erie, the Canal Corporation's largest towboat, is sometimes used as a stage for traveling performers on the canal.

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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.

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