Boat U.S. - March 2008 - (Page 9)

Erie Canal Reaches a Crossroad New York State’s famed Erie Canal could be at a crossroad 183 years after its opening. The New York State Thruway Authority, the parent agency of the canal system, recently suggested it would like to shed the waterway from its control in an effort to contain a budget shortfall. Canal supporters say that would leave the waterway in dire straits and turn back the clock on significant investments over the last 15 years — including two revitalization programs under the administration of former Gov. George E. Pataki that spent $82 million renovating infrastructure and building seven new harbors and 30 service ports for recreational boaters. “The issue is that the Thruway has resources other agencies lack,” said Tom Ryan, president of the State Council on Waterways, a nonprofit educational and promotion organization. “And if the Canal Corporation [the Thruway subsidiary that operates the system] transfers to another agency without the resources, we won’t see any new ports built and canal structures will deteriorate. It’s in very good condition now, although there are constant needs, such as dredging.” In a major push to attract boaters over the last few years, the Canal Corporation has eliminated tolls for recreational boats, lengthened the season and daily operating hours, improved navigational markers and created an e-mail system to alert boaters on waterway conditions. Most of the Erie Canal’s public ports allow boaters to tie up for free with water and electricity, while the larger harbors A change in agency support could cause boating facilities and conditions on the New York Canal System to deteriorate. offer visitor’s centers with laundry and shower facilities. 2002 study demonstrated that the canal For the Thruway Authority to ditch the provided over $384 million in annual ecocanal system — which includes the Erie as nomic benefits. well at the Oswego, Seneca-Cayuga, and Ironically, Canal Corporation Director Champlain canals — it would require legisla- Carmella Mantello recently noted in the tion, something Ryan believes would be hard New York Canal Times that the 524-mile for the state’s legislature to accept. canal system had “a banner year” in 2007 While the Canal Corp.’s annual budget with locking-throughs on the upswing and is $80 million, about the same size as the over 150 local events held, compared to Thruway Authority’s current budget gap, a just 40 two years ago. Best Vacation Options. • 30 incredible destinations • we take care of everything • wide range of options • do it yourself • partial crew • fully crewed • 35’- 77’ sailboats & poweryachts CREWED POWER SAIL The Moorings pioneered the charter industry and has been delivering the best yachting vacations in the world for over 38 years. Our reputation for innovative new yachts and unmatched customer service guarantees an unforgettable, personalized island cruising adventure. Call us today or visit us on-line for a choice of new and affordable vacation options that are sure to meet everyones needs. 800.669.7380 | www.mooringsvacations.com BoatU.S. Magazine March 2008 9 http://www.mooringsvacations.com http://www.mooringsvacations.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Boat U.S. - March 2008

Boat U.S. - March 2008 Contents Behind the Buoy BoatU.S. Reports Member Forum Cap'n Drew Sailing the Sidewalk Aviators Ahoy Docking and Duffing Waterfront Living: Charleston Waterfront Marketplace Grady Right 2nd Time Around DIY: Keeping the Water Out Hot Tips Boat Smart Ask Chuck Foundation Findings Tangled Line At Your Service Good Foundations BoatU.S. Exchange Behind the Boat Where Our Flags Fly

Boat U.S. - March 2008

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