State canal system opens early

The April 28 opening of the NYS Canal System marked the first time the entire canal system opened in April in more than 33 years. "With one of the most ambitious seasons in recent history planned for the canal system in 2006, it seemed only fitting to have the canals open ahead of schedule so that more people could come out to take advantage of this tremendous resource, NYS Canal Corporation Director Carmella Mantello said. "Not since 1973 have all branches of the canal system been open for navigation in the month of April and I am tremendously proud of our dedicated men and women who worked so hard to make our early opening possible."

Recreational boaters will not have to purchase canal passes during the 2006 season and will be able to enjoy longer springtime hours this season. The canal system will remain open until 7 p.m. daily, rather than the traditional 5 p.m. The Canal Corporation was able to stagger work shifts and bring seasonal employees in earlier in order to accommodate the longer hours at no additional expense to the corporation, according to a press release.

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.

April 30, 2006