New York State Canal Corp. announces awards to upstate municipalities

Through round XIII of Regional Economic Development Council initiative

√ Grants will support improvement projects along state’s canal system; full list of awardees available here

The New York State Canal Corp. announced eight upstate municipalities will receive more than $950,000 in grants through round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative. A press release noted, “Since its inception, the REDC initiative has identified and invested in significant economic development projects, revitalizing communities and businesses across the state.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “The significance of the New York Canal System is twofold: It is both a vital economic lifeline for communities across upstate and a cherished recreational haven that boosts our tourism industry while fortifying the well-being of our canalside communities. I take immense pride in reaffirming our state’s commitment to the prosperity of these communities and the canals that serve them. Each of the eight Canal Corp. grants will contribute to the creation of an inclusive canal community that all New Yorkers will be proud of and able to enjoy.”

New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton said, “For nearly 200 years, our canals have formed the backbone of more than 200 upstate communities and, as we look forward to the next century, the grants being awarded today will ensure the canal corridor is vibrant and accessible for future generations.”

The grants will support improvement projects in communities along the canal system across upstate New York, designed to promote recreation and tourism through investment in the functionality and beautification of areas surrounding the canal and canalway trails.

This year, the Canal Corp. awards will support the following local projects:

•$30,000 awarded to the City of North Tonawanda for the Mayor's Park Kayak Launch and Fishing Dock – The City of North Tonawanda will install a boat launch and fishing pier at Mayor's Park. This project will provide formalized access to the Erie Canal for small boats, canoes and kayaks while also providing additional opportunities for fishing at the park. This project will fill an important gap in North Tonawanda's resources for water recreation by connecting the Erie Canal, a popular boating and kayaking destination, with all the amenities and assets that Mayor's Park has to offer, including picnic pavilions, picnic areas, a new playground, and restroom facilities.

•$125,460 awarded to the Buffalo Maritime Center for the Seneca Chief Launch and Bicentennial Voyage – In anticipation of the Erie Canal's 2025 bicentennial, the Buffalo Maritime Center will continue the construction and historical augmentation of Gov. Dewitt Clinton’s 1825 Canal Boat. Specifically, this project will include the acquisition of additional resources that will assist with the boat's navigation across the state of New York, and the development of educational exhibits that will be included as part of the program.

Funding for this program was included in round XIII of the REDC initiative.

The press release noted, “The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed projects from this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies. Applicants utilized New York’s consolidated funding application, the state’s single application for state resources, which includes programs for numerous agencies. It is designed to provide expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.”

A full list of round XIII awards that have been made can be found here.

New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga – Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals connect hundreds of unique and historic communities across upstate New York.

The New York State Canal Corp. is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority.