Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, April 22, 2004

The New York State Canal Corporation announced today that at the request of Canal communities and business owners, it has extended it 2004 Navigation Season by three weeks, in an effort to maximize the economic impact and recreational benefits of the Canal System.

"Extending navigation season on the Canal System will extend the benefits that all New Yorkers and visiting Canal enthusiasts reap from this recreational and economic treasure," said Canal Corporation Executive Director Michael Fleischer. "We are looking forward to a successful navigational season on the Canals."

Weather permitting, the Canal System will open for the season at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 1, and close for the year at 5 p.m. Monday, November 15. The Canal Corporation will also begin its summer schedule one week earlier than normal. Beginning May 15, hours of operation on the Canal System will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. These extended hours will run through September 15.

The Corporation also announced today that Canal Pass applications, which are necessary for use of the Canal System, are now available on the Internet, at Tolls, Passes and Permits. These applications had previously been available only at Canal Locks, marinas, and through the mail.

This new Internet application adds to the convenience of purchasing a Canal Pass. The online application will need to be printed out and mailed to the Canal Corporation.

Canal business owners and community residents praised the Corporation for extending the 2004 season.

“We are delighted the Canal Corporation has listened to our concerns, and done something about them,” said Rob Goldman, a tugboat owner and marina operator in Waterford, NY. “The longer season will benefit both the marina and towing business, and put more money into the hands of other New York businesses.”

The Canal Recreationway Commission (CRC), an advisory board created in 1993 to implement the Canal Recreationway Plan, has endorsed the extended season as well as the Internet application process. Canal communities and businesses are eager to maximize the economic impact of the season. The renewal of commercial traffic on the canal also factored prominently in the CRC's decision, as tug and barge traffic tends to be heavier at the beginning and end of each navigation season.