Erie Canal Management Plan approved

Green light given to implement Erie Canal development initiatives

According to State Senator George D. Maziarz (R-C, Newfane), New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro has given final approval to the Management Plan for the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor. This document was completed in 2004 under the direction of the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Planning Commission.

"The Management Plan was truly a collaborative effort between planners and communities," Senator Maziarz added. "The plan reflects a vision for the Erie Canal as an economic engine and tourist destination, and now we can get moving to reach our goals and objectives. I am glad that Commissioner Castro has given her approval to this effort."

Senator Maziarz sponsored the 1999 legislation that created the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor as the state's 17th heritage area and 2nd heritage corridor. The Corridor spans the 160 miles of the Erie Canal across Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe and Wayne Counties. The law also established the Western Erie Canal Heritage Cooridor Planning Commission and charged it with creating the regional Management Plan that has now been finalized. The Planning Commission sponsored over 300 meetings that resulted in a collective vision. The Management Plan truly is the product of grassroots involvement and energy.

The Management Plan calls for the creation of the Western Erie Canal Partnership to successfully implement the plan and foster critical relationships with key organizations, agencies, governments, and other partners. This is especially important within the larger initiatives such as the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the recently-proposed Erie Canal Greenway.