ALBANY - State officials announced Friday a new initiative for the state canal system they say will help economic development for local communities along the waterway while protecting one of New York's "most valuable resources."
"The Erie Canal Greenway" would restore, revitalize and give greater protection to the canal system. It also would become a central link in the Gov. George Pataki's plan to create an "Empire State Greenway," the governor's office said.
The greenway designation will bring a more regional approach to land-use planning, tourism, recreational trail development and other initiatives for the canal. Carmella Mantello of Troy, currently executive director of the Hudson
River Valley Greenway Communities Council, was named to head the project.
The state will work with communities and assist them in local planning that balances their economic and environmental resources. The establishment of greenway would protect and enhance its natural and cultural resources for future generations, state officials said.
The plan requires approval from state lawmakers.
The governor wants to link the canal greenway with the Niagara Greenway and Hudson Valley Greenway to create one of the largest Greenways in the nation. In 2002, Pataki announced a $50 million canal revitalization program to complete the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail and to fund harbor and port projects along the canal system.
The state has identified Seneca Falls, Rochester, Waterfod, Oswego, Whitehall, Little Falls and the Tonwandas as areas that would be developed to serve as gateways and key destinations along the 525-mile long canal system.
State leaders for years have tried to use the canal system to boost the economy of a region that has been hard hit by the loss of manufacturing jobs and people.
Recently, Pataki's Thruway Authority and its Canal Corp. have been the subjects of controversy.
In October 2003, Pataki ordered an investigation into the awarding of development rights to the state canal system for $30,000 to Buffalo real estate developer Richard Hutchens, the sole bidder.
Hutchens won the right to develop residential properties on up to 9 percent of the private property along both sides of the canal system. State Assembly hearings highlighted the lack of competition for the contract, which was later rescinded.
In 2004, more than 12,000 tons of cargo worth about $102 million were shipped on New York's canals. About 122,000 recreational boat trips were taken on the canal system last year.
The greenway designation will bring a more regional approach to land-use planning, tourism, recreational trail development and other initiatives for the canal. Carmella Mantello of Troy, currently executive director of the Hudson
River Valley Greenway Communities Council, was named to head the project.
The state will work with communities and assist them in local planning that balances their economic and environmental resources. The establishment of greenway would protect and enhance its natural and cultural resources for future generations, state officials said.
The plan requires approval from state lawmakers.
The governor wants to link the canal greenway with the Niagara Greenway and Hudson Valley Greenway to create one of the largest Greenways in the nation. In 2002, Pataki announced a $50 million canal revitalization program to complete the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail and to fund harbor and port projects along the canal system.
The state has identified Seneca Falls, Rochester, Waterfod, Oswego, Whitehall, Little Falls and the Tonwandas as areas that would be developed to serve as gateways and key destinations along the 525-mile long canal system.
State leaders for years have tried to use the canal system to boost the economy of a region that has been hard hit by the loss of manufacturing jobs and people.
Recently, Pataki's Thruway Authority and its Canal Corp. have been the subjects of controversy.
In October 2003, Pataki ordered an investigation into the awarding of development rights to the state canal system for $30,000 to Buffalo real estate developer Richard Hutchens, the sole bidder.
Hutchens won the right to develop residential properties on up to 9 percent of the private property along both sides of the canal system. State Assembly hearings highlighted the lack of competition for the contract, which was later rescinded.
In 2004, more than 12,000 tons of cargo worth about $102 million were shipped on New York's canals. About 122,000 recreational boat trips were taken on the canal system last year.
