Longer operating hours for NY canal system in 2006, boater tolls eliminated

Longer operating hours for NY canal
system in 2006, boater tolls eliminated

Boaters and visitors to the historic New York State Canal System will be able to enjoy two additional hours of canal cruising when the 2006 season begins on May 1, according to Carmella R. Mantello, director of the New York State Canal Corporation.

Extending the springtime hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily was a key recommendation in the "Report on the Future of the New York State Canals" prepared by the Canal Corporation and an Interagency Task Force and submitted to Governor George E. Pataki in December of 2005. Traditionally, the springtime hours of operation on the canals have been from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In order to accommodate the change in hours, the Canal Corporation will stager the starting date of its seasonal employees, use roving operators, and reallocate resources for the first two weeks of the season, resulting in no additional costs to the corporation. The dates and hours of canal operation will be, weather permitting: May 1 to May 14, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 15 to September 15, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; September 16 to November 15, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Canal Corporation will continue to provide 24-hour lock service to commercial operators, pending the availability of lock personnel.

The 2006 operating hours and season dates continue to trend toward a longer navigation season, with better hours for boaters. As recently as 2002 and 2003, the length of the canal season had been reduced to 182 days. This year's season will be 199 days, with longer hours in the springtime. Additional extensions may be considered if usage trends warrant.

Governor George E. Pataki announced $10 million in new funding to support the creation of an Erie Canal Greenway. The new funding, along with a number of new initiatives, will enhance tourism, recreation and economic revitalization along the New York State Canal System.

He announced that tolls will be waived for recreational boaters as part of a program to improve boater access and tourism on the canals.

"Over the last 11 years, we've made tremendous investments in the Canal System which is fast becoming a world-class vacation destination. By waiving recreational boating tolls this season, we will make it even easier for boaters to explore these historic waterways and all of the natural and cultural attractions available here in upstate New York," he said.