Grant awards support canal tourism infrastructure, amenities, and events
Village of Brockport among the awardees
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation have announced 42 not-for-profit organizations and municipalities that will receive NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $190,000 in 2023. The grants will support seven tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 35 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.
Recipients are spread across the Erie, Oswego, Cayuga-Seneca, and Champlain canals. Infrastructure and amenity projects include kayak storage and paddling launches, picnic facilities, restrooms, and park upgrades that better accommodate people with disabilities. Events range from large canal festivals to bike tours to arts and cultural offerings that will contribute to a lively season of activities.
The Village of Brockport received a grant in support of its Low Bridge, High Water Festival, planned for June 10 at the Brockport Welcome Center. The festival celebrates the opening of canal season and the Village of Brockport’s bicentennial as the western terminus of the Erie Canal in 1823. This event features water and land-based activities, student artwork, musical performance of classic Erie Canal songs, vendors, kayaking, and a bike rodeo. Visit http://brockportny.org/low-bridge-high-water-festival for more information.
Other area awardees include the Rotary Club of Rochester, Southwest in support of the Roc River Ride on September 16, a bicycle ride with stops that showcase local art, history, and culture (facebook.com/events/
500504268901223/), and Rochester Accessible Adventures in support of 15 Pretty Darn Good Miles on the Erie Canal, a weekly recreation program running July 1 through September 15 for people with Parkinson’s Disease and other disabilities (https://rochesteraccessibleadventures.org/event/15-pd-miles/).
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “For nearly 200 years, the Erie Canal has been an economic engine and as we near its third century of operation, the strategic investments being made through this program are key to ensuring it continues to support the communities that grew alongside it. Improving infrastructure and bringing residents and visitors to canalside events will stimulate downtowns and create new opportunities to experience our Canal waterways.”
Now in its second year, the grants program represents a significant investment in canal recreation and tourism. Grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $438,775 in additional support.
“We are thrilled to support community partners to offer an exciting lineup of events and improved services for visitors all along the canals. Investing in canal tourism benefits residents and visitors alike and helps to maximize the economic impact of tourism for communities across New York,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
A complete list of grant recipients and program descriptions can be found at https://bit.ly/3HNUhJk.
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