SCOW Archives

September 2002

Canal Operations Forum is

Rated High by Participants

The fourth in SCOW's series of "mini-conferences," a forum held in Monroe County on the subject of Thruway Administration of the Canal System, was the most successful yet, according to participants. Some 50 canal enthusiasts attended the public session, held on a beautifully clear day under a tent on the side of the Erie Canal at Richardson's Canal House, in Bushnell's Basin near Rochester. 

Prior to the forum, Commodore Ted Curtis of Corn Hill Navigation hosted a luncheon cruise aboard the SAM PATCH tour boat along the "Great Embankment" towards Pittsford. Tom Grasso, President of the Canal Society of New York State, gave a brief overview of the history and construction of this unique feature, which carries the canal some 70 feet above the Irondequoit Valley below. Commodore Curtis also hosted a New York wine and cheese reception following the program, and SCOW is very appreciative of his gracious and generous support for the forum. 

Presenters included Bob Brooks, Director of the Canal Corporation, Ted Curtis of Corn Hill Navigation, Judy Dean of the Schuylerville Yacht Basin, and Sarah Wiles of Mid-Lakes Navigation Co., Ltd. Their remarks were followed by a lively discussion session that addressed a host of operational and institutional issues regarding the Canal Corporation's stewardship of the state wide system over the past decade. 

Plans for the next forum, tentatively set for Buffalo in October on the subject of "Interconnected Waterways: The US & Canadian Systems," are being formulated. 

The June forum was covered by the Messenger Post regional weekly newspaper group, which is published in the Rochester suburbs. As with all SCOW forums, a main goal is to make a record of issues and recommendations presented that will serve as a guide to future education, improvement, and possible legislative initiatives in the months and years ahead. 

SCOW members and friends from all over the state participated, and a good deal of positive feedback was received following the program. Six SCOW Board members, including Chairman Kent Barwick and members John Jermano, Tom Grasso, Denise King, Ted Curtis and Tom Ryan attended. 

They later held a brief meeting with Greg Marshall of the Greater Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau, a panelist at the previous Promotion & Tourism Forum in Syracuse, who spoke of the need for a statewide "Canal Chamber of Commerce." The board members agreed to meet again with Mr. Marshall in New York City during the summer to further explore this interesting idea. 

View the Perinton-Fairport Post  article, 'What's right, wrong with canal?' by Benjamin Wachs

Erie Canal School Boat Project Gains Momentum

Work is continuing on the Eire Canal School Boat project in Little Falls. SCOW has offered to help the Herkimer Board of Cooperative Educational Services and the Erie Canal School Boat Foundation with the continuation of an elementary grade field trip program, which is in jeopardy due to state aid reductions. A Memorandum of Agreement is currently being developed that would keep the program in operation for at least two navigation seasons. 

The BOCES program has been a big success since it began three years ago, introducing the history and lore of the Erie Canal to thousands of fourth graders. SCOW hopes to assume operation of the boat and its school programs for this year, as well as operate a sightseeing tour boat service in the Little Falls-Utica-March corridor. The local foundation will work towards assuming the operation in 2003. 

SCOW is currently undertaking a fund drive to support this important educational program, and urges anyone interested in more information about the initiative to call (518) 437-2341. Contributions from individuals and corporations seeking to support our efforts are most welcome, and can be sent to PO Box 126, Waterford, NY 12188. 

Thank you, and we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer!
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