RECAP: Updates for 2024: Upgrades, On the Canal Programs, and More!

During last week's Lunch and Learn Webinar Bill Sweitzer and Shane Mahar from New York State Canal Corporation presented their topic: Updates for 2024: Upgrades, On the Canal Programs, and more!

Some Insights from the webinar:

• Establishing the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission
  • Recognize the historic waterway
  • Responsible for Public Forums and a calendar of commemorative events
  • Work will culminate with the 2025 World Canals Conference in Buffalo
• Commission Events and Celebrations (2024-2026)
  • Community events and celebrations
  • World Canals Conference
  • Academic forums in partnership with SUNY and NYS Dept. of State
  • Legacy Projects
  • Bicentennial Promotion Toolkit provided to canal communities
  • And more!
• Accessible Recreation on the Canalway
  • Welcoming municipal leaders, community planners and developers, and providers to discover new ways to enjoy canalway while ensuring accessibility for all
• 2024-25 Executive Budget Proposal for Canals
  • Funding will support investment in locks, lift bridges, dams, and other civil assets 
  • Projects will be prioritized based on their ability to reduce the risk and improve operability
  • Governor's proposed funding is in addition to NYPA's annual $140 million commitment to the Canal system
  • $50 Million for New York Canals!
• Flood Mitigation
  • $1.5 million is proposed in the Executive Budget for numeric modeling of the Mohawk & Oswego River Basins.
• On the Canals Program
  • Continues to impact economic development across the Canal Corridor
    • Increase visitation to Canal communities
    • Advance social responsibility objectives
    • Support small businesses
  • Provides great opportunities for learning and trying something new
  • Includes a list of a 2024 Summer/Fall Programing sneak peek

We would like to give our sincere thanks to Bill Sweitzer and Shane Mahar for providing their time and valuable insights on Updates for 2024: Upgrades, On the Canal Programs, and more! You can learn more about NYS Canal Corporations by visiting their website.

The recording will be posted as soon as possible and you can view their presentation slide deck here.