The NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor recently announced that 43 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive 2024 NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $196,349. The grants will support eight tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 36 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.
Recipients are spread across the Erie, Oswego, Cayuga-Seneca, and Champlain canals. Grants will fund upgrades to visitor centers, new outdoor park pavilions and benches, and more to enhance the visitor experience.
The Village of Brockport will receive a $9,500 tourism infrastructure grant to launch a new kayak rental program to provide convenient, accessible, and safe recreational experiences for waterway users.
Events receiving grants range from large canal festivals to paddling and cycling tours to celebrations of canal heritage and will contribute to a lively season of activities along the canals. Local awardees include Homesteads for Hope in Ogden for their Jam on the Canal Food Truck Rodeo being held July 19 and August 16 (http://www.homesteadsforhope.org/events), and the Rotary Club of Rochester – Southwest for the Roc River Ride on September 14 (https://www.facebook.com/events/500504268901223/).
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we prepare for this year’s navigation season on New York’s canals and the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial in 2025, I am pleased we are able to support so many events and new infrastructure projects along the canal corridor through this program. New York’s canalside communities will use these capital improvements and activities to enhance visitor experiences while simultaneously bolstering their local economies.”
The grants program represents a significant investment in canal recreation and tourism, growing excitement for the canal’s bicentennial year in 2025. Grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $601,141 in additional support. Now in its third year, the grants program has invested a total of $645,650 to date in amenity improvements and events.
“It’s our privilege to support this incredible group of community partners who are dedicated to improving the NYS Canal System for visitors and locals alike. Tourism infrastructure, amenities, and events contribute to a more vibrant Canalway Corridor and maximize the economic impact of this world-class waterway.” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
For a complete list of grant recipients, go to https://tinyurl.com/mr4db7yu.
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