The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the official opening of a newly rehabilitated nine-mile Canalway Trail segment in Monroe County. The trail between Long Pond Road in Greece and Lock 32 in Pittsford links to existing Canalway Trail segments to create a continuous 90-mile bike and hike path adjacent to the Erie Canal between Lockport and Palmyra.

An official ribbon-cutting for the rehabilitated Canalway Trail segment was hosted by Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello at Lock 32 in Pittsford. The event was attended by numerous State and local officials, community members and trail volunteers.

“Today's ribbon-cutting represents another step forward in our efforts to connect canal communities and encourage increased recreation, tourism and economic development along the entire Canal system,” Director Mantello said. “As with many other Canalway Trail projects, the partnerships forged between the Canal Corporation and numerous organizations, including State and local governments, are vital to the Trail's success. As we look to fulfill the Governor's vision for an Erie Canal Greenway, completion of the Canalway Trail will provide a tremendous statewide link, creating new and exciting recreational opportunities here in Monroe County and all along the scenic and historic Canal corridor.”

The nine-mile segment is part of a $35 million program announced by Governor George E. Pataki in 2002 to complete the Erie Canalway Trail linking the Hudson River and Lake Erie. More than half of the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail is now complete. The $1.6 million project was funded with Federal Transportation Enhancement funds administered by the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT).

Senator James Alesi said, “As Chairman of the NYS Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, as well as a member of the Tourism Committee, I have an acute interest in the continued growth and development of the Erie Canal. This unique, world class asset that is located in the nine-mile stretch from Greece to Pittsford should be recognized not only for its incredible value and quality of life potential but for its remarkable beauty as well.”

Assemblyman Joseph Errigo said, “The Canalway Trail adds to the character of Monroe County, and also promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles. As always, when Gov. Pataki has a vision, he follows through. The Trail is a spectacular recreational attraction that explores the beauty and history of our state. I thank the Governor and the New York State Canal Corporation for their commitment to this ongoing project.”

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said, “The Canal System is one of the greatest natural and recreational resources in our community. Projects like this are critical to promoting economic development and tourism throughout Monroe County and our region. I thank Governor Pataki and Director Mantello for their continued support and partnership in local canal revitalization efforts.”

Pittsford Town Supervisor William A. Carpenter said, “The rehabilitation of the Erie Canalway Trail represents a significant commitment to enhance the Erie Canal as a premier regional and local resource. As an Erie Canal town, Pittsford appreciates the historical value of the canalway, values the recreational opportunities it provides our residents, and seeks to preserve the countless ways it adds to the fabric of our community.”

Village of Pittsford Mayor Robert C. Corby said, “Over the last thirty years, the Erie Canal Trail has become one of our region's key recreational assets. The trail links neighborhoods, provides a ribbon of green space through urban and suburban neighborhoods and contributes significantly to the Rochester area's quality of life. The recently completed improvements will further enhance the public's enjoyment of the canal.”

DOT Regional Director Charles Moynihan said, “Recreation along the Erie Canal Trail has become quite popular in the Rochester area. As a frequent jogger and bicyclist myself, I enjoy the canal trail immensely. NYSDOT is proud to take an active role in improving the canal trail through this project.

Canalway Trails Association of New York (CTANY) President Keith Kroon said, The rehabilitation of this segment of the Erie Canalway Trail is a giant step toward the Canalway Trails Association of New York's goal of making the Canalway Trail a World Class multi-use recreational trail. There is significantly more use by joggers, walkers, bicyclists and inline skaters since the work was completed.”

The project features a 10-12 foot wide asphalt surface trail. A centerline stripe was added in the Towns of Brighton and Pittsford where the trail was widened to 12 feet and where there is significant trail traffic. Informational sign kiosks were installed at the trailhead near Long Pond Road in Greece, along the Canalway Trail east of Genesee Valley Park and at Lock 32 in Pittsford. 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.

In late May 2005, Governor Pataki unveiled his vision for establishing the Erie Canal Greenway and, ultimately, the Empire State Greenway, connecting the Niagara, Erie and Hudson River Greenways. The Canal Corporation and an interagency task force are currently conducting an outreach campaign to gather input and ideas, and develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to create the new Erie and Empire State Greenways and examine certain roles and responsibilities currently assigned to the Canal Corporation. The recommendations will be delivered in a report to the Governor by December 2005.