The Village of Brockport recently received the following information from John Callaghan, Deputy Director of the Canal Corporation.
“The safety of the Erie Canal embankment remains a top priority for the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation. After careful consideration, we have decided not to appeal the temporary restraining order regarding the embankment safety program. Instead, we will pursue a comprehensive environmental review of the program across the entire state Canal System, not just in the three towns that pursued litigation. The public will have the opportunity to provide input during this process. We are confident this environmental review will confirm our position that removing vegetation from the embankment is both an appropriate and prudent step to ensure the safety of those who live and work on or near the canals.
In communities where the embankment has already been cleared, the Canal Corporation is preparing to remove and dispose of tree stumps, improve slopes to facilitate seeding and maintenance and install a toe-drain to reduce water buildup at the base of the embankment. That work is expected to begin in November. The Canal Corporation plans to hold a meeting in Brockport in December where the public can provide input about enhancing the visual aesthetic along the Erie Canal following vegetation removal and is also in the process of hiring a design consultant to facilitate that conversation.”
Margay Blackman, Mayor
Village of Brockport
