Canal corporation announces availability of tourism grants

The New York State Canal Corporation announced the availability of $30,000 in tourism matching grants this year to promote the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail as a year-round recreational resource and tourism destination. These grants will provide necessary funding to help promote the multitude of recreational opportunities and attractions available along the canal system and will build on our enhanced marketing and tourism promotion efforts this year.

The grants will provide up to $2,500 for the development of brochures, maps, leaflets, magazines or other printed materials that promote the Canal System and/or Canalway Trail, or specific canal-related events, festivals or attractions. Special consideration will be given to applications that involve collaborative partnerships to create multi-county, regional thematic canal destinations and self-guided tours consistent with historical, cultural, urban and environmental assets and attractions contained along or within the Canal System and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Materials must include Canal Corporation logos and incorporate the New York Canal System's promotional theme: "Cruise the Past, Unlock the Adventure." Eligible materials also must include the Canal System's toll-free consumer phone number as well as the website address, www.canals.state.ny.us. Materials must be made available to the public at no charge and be available for distribution by June 1, 2006.

Proposals and grant applications are due no later than March 24. For information and complete program guidelines, contact the Canal Corporation at 518-471-2799.

March 19, 2006