For Immediate Release: 07/06/15
Contact:
Aja Lownes | aja.lownes@thruway.ny.gov
Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300
NEW YORK STATE CANAL CORPORATION JOINS THE CITY OF ROME AND 'OUR ABILITY' IN OPENING A NEW SECTION OF THE ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL
Opening coincides with Our Ability's 'Journey along the Erie Canal'
The Canal Corporation joined the City of Rome and Our Ability today in opening two and a half newly constructed miles of the Erie Canalway Trail. The opening coincides with Our Ability's third annual 'Journey along the Erie Canal.'
"The New York State Canal Corporation is thrilled to join Our Ability for 'Journey along the Erie Canal' for a third year," said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. "John, Doug and their entire organization continue to touch and inspire many lives and it is our hope that the opening of this new section of the Canalway Trail in Rome will bring an exciting new element to their annual journey."
The $1.75 million project consisted of building two sections; the eastern segment, which extends two miles from the existing trailhead in Stanwix to South James Street, and the western segment, which extends the existing trail from Fort Bull Road one half mile to the Erie Canal Village. From there, the western segment will link to an existing trail along Route 46.
"The completion of these two sections of the Canalway Trail, which are part of Rome's recreational trail system along the Erie Canal and Mohawk River, coupled with the new waterfront amenities are a result of people of the community investing in the community," said Rome Mayor Joseph R. Fusco Jr. "Together we are transforming our Erie Canal waterfront and trail to restore Rome to its past prominence as the Canal's bicentennial period begins. I couldn't be prouder."
The new Erie Canalway Trail parallels Route 69 and Martin Street, and crosses the Erie Canal over the Mill Street Bridge. It then passes Bellamy Harbor and along the Canal's north shore to South James Street.
Funded by the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond, approved by voters in 2005, work included the construction of a new 10-foot wide asphalt trail, drainage installation, wood railing and new directional and informational signs. The project was completed by Slate Hill Constructors, Incorporated, of Warners, New York.
John Robinson, Managing Partner and CEO Our Ability said, "We having been doing 'Journey along the Erie Canal' for three years now, and the growth in participation from year to year is astounding! This 11-day event demonstrates that people of all abilities can enjoy outdoor activities and appreciate the beauty and history of the Erie Canal and this new section of the Erie Canalway Trail."
The newly-constructed section of trail in the City of Rome is part of the statewide, multi-use, Erie Canalway Trail linking the Hudson River and Lake Erie. More than three-quarters of the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany is now complete.
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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, the waterways link the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, Niagara River and Lake Erie with communities rich in history and culture. For more information about the New York State Canal System, vacation opportunities and events call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov.
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