Press Release: NYS Canal Corporation, November 16, 2000

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the official opening of a new six-mile Canalway Trail segment in Oriskany, which was started in March. The trail links Ft. Stanwix in Rome, a National Park Service site, the Oriskany Battlefield, which is operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Village of Oriskany.

"This project’s success and completion is a true example of our dedication to the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail," said John Brizzell, deputy executive director of the Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation. "As with many other Canalway Trail projects, the partnerships forged between the Canal Corporation and numerous organizations, including state and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, the National Parks Service and other State government agencies, are vital in the trail’s success."

The $625,000 project was funded with a Federal Public Lands Act Grant of $480,000 and $145,000 matching funds from the NYS Canal Corporation. The grant program is administered by the NYS Department of Transportation. Additional partners in this project were the City of Rome, the Town of Whitestown, the Village of Oriskany and NYS OPRHP.

"Completion of the Canalway Trail will provide a tremendous statewide system presenting numerous recreational opportunities along a scenic and historical corridor. This new link from Oriskany to Rome is filled with our nation’s history which local enthusiasts already know, and which we look forward to sharing with others who travel this section of the Canalway Trail," said Senator Raymond A. Meier, R-C, Western.

Assemblyman David R. Townsend, Jr., R-C, Oriskany, also said he was pleased with the progress being made with the Canal trail development program statewide.

"The connection of Fort Stanwix in Rome, the Oriskany Battlefield and the Village of Oriskany adds an important and historic segment of improved trail to New York State’s 230 miles of existing multi-use, recreational trails," said Townsend. "Having personally traveled the new trail, I would encourage all residents to take advantage of this wonderful recreational asset."

"This significant federal grant and the partnership with the National Park Service enables the Canal Corporation to further enhance one of Central New York’s most treasured assets- our rich heritage," said Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-NY.

The New York State Canalway Trail System is comprised of a network of approximately 230 miles of multi-use, recreational trails across upstate New York. Major segments are adjacent to the waterways of the New York State Canal System or follow remnants of the historic original canals of the early 1800s that preceded today’s working Canal System.

When completed, the Canalway Trail System will provide nearly 500 miles of multi-use trails for outdoor and recreational enthusiasts along the historic Canal System. The segments of the trail system connect with other trails leading throughout New York State, providing one of the most extensive trail networks in the country.

"We are pleased to officially open the Oriskany segment of the Canalway Trail System," said Robert Brooks, acting director of the Canal Corporation. "Since unveiling the Canal Revitalization Plan in 1996, we have launched several successful rehabilitation projects along this historic waterway and its banks. Oriskany is now one of them."

"The Department of Transportation and the Canal Corporation have similar goals of revitalizing and promoting the Canalway Trail throughout the State," said DOT Region 2 Director Frank Gerace. "Forming strong partnerships with communities and other agencies is vital to the success of multi-modal facilities such as the trailways."

Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation Deputy Executive Director John Brizzell, Canal Corporation Acting Director Robert Brooks, Assemblyman David R. Townsend, Jr. (R-C Oneida), Town of Whitestown Supervisor Matthew Shannon and other Authority/Corporation, Department of Transportation, and local officials attended the official opening.

To obtain a free map of the New York State Canalway Trail System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4. To learn more about the Canalway Trail System, visit the Canal Corporation’s website at http://www.canals.state.ny.us/.