| Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, April 19, 2000
New York State Thruway Authority and Canal
Corporation Executive Director John Platt announced today that the 2000 Canal
navigation season will officially open May 1 at 7 a.m., as the historic Canal
System celebrates its 175th Anniversary.
"This year marks an important milestone for
the Canal System," said Platt. "Since unveiling the five-year Canal
Revitalization Plan in 1996, we have launched major rehabilitation projects
along this historic waterway and made it easier for everyone to enjoy one of
New York’s greatest treasures."
In 1999, the Seneca Falls canal harbor
project, funded by the Canal Corporation, was awarded the "1999 Excellence on
the Waterfront Honor Award" from the Waterfront Center, a Washington,
D.C.-based planning organization. The Seneca Falls harbor was the first of
seven planned harbor projects to be completed under the five-year, $32 million
Canal Revitalization Program.
"We anticipate another successful and safe
navigation season on the New York State Canal System," said Platt. "The
Authority and Canal Corporation are especially pleased this year to celebrate
the Canal System’s 175th anniversary, and kick off what
promises to be another exciting and momentous time in canal history."
Over 50 festivals and events are scheduled
to take place on the New York State Canal System during the 2000 season. Among
them are Canalfest ’00, the Towpath Canoe Regatta, Hike, Bike or Canoe for
Kids and Canal Heritage Days.
"The Canal Corporation is extremely excited
to launch the 2000 navigation season," said Canal Corporation Director Matthew
Behrmann. "Numerous canal events and festivities will bring the canal alive
this summer as we celebrate our 175th anniversary."
New York State Canal System locks and lift
bridges are scheduled to operate daily, subject to weather conditions, through
the fall. The hours of operations are as follows:
| May 1-May 17 ……………… | 7 am-5 pm |
| May 18-Sept 27……………... | 7 am-10:30 pm |
| Sept 28-Oct 28……………… | 8 am-6 pm |
| Oct 29-till close……………... | 7 am-5 pm |
All recreational vessels passing through any
lock or lift bridge on the Canal System are to purchase a two-day pass or
seasonal permit. The price of Canal System passes and permits will remain the
same as in 1999, and previous years:
| Boat Length | Two-Day Pass | Seasonal Permit |
| Less than 16 ft. | $ 5 | $ 25 |
| 16 ft.- under 26 ft | 10 | 50 |
| 26 ft.- 39 ft. | 15 | 75 |
| Greater than 39 ft. | 20 | 100 |
In February, the New York State Canal
Corporation announced the availability of gift certificates for seasonal
permits for the 524-mile Canal System. The seasonal permit allows boaters
unlimited lock and lift bridge use on the Canal System for the entire 2000
navigation season, and makes a great gift for your boating friends.
Passes and permits are now on sale at
Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offices, designated locks and at selected
marinas, retail shops and municipal offices. Recreational boaters interested in
obtaining information on Canal System tolls and pass/permit vendor locations
should call 1-800-4CANAL4. Boaters may also obtain information from the Canal
Corporation’s web site at www.canals.state.ny.us.
The Erie Canal (West of Three Rivers
Junction) and the Cayuga/Seneca Canal’s season runs until October
29. The Erie Canal (East of Three Rivers Junction), Champlain and Oswego
Canals’ season runs until November 19. Boaters will be advised
prior to those dates to exit the system before closing, since lock service will
not be available after the official end of the season.
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