News: Canal Corporation Announces Scheduled Lockings to Help Conserve Water
From NY Canals - Guide to New York's Erie, Oswego, Champlain, and Cayuga-Seneca Canal System
September 17, 2007
The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that effective 7 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18, locks E-7 (Niskayuna, Schenectady County) through E-20 (Marcy, Oneida County) on the Erie Canal will be operated on a modified schedule for recreational vessels. The locks will open for eastbound traffic on the hour and westbound traffic on the half hour. Additionally, as originally scheduled, the Canal Corporation’s system wide fall hours began on Sunday, September 16 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This measure is necessary to conserve water, reducing the total amount of water necessary to continue Canal operations.
Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation stated, “In light of the lack of rainfall this summer in the Mohawk Valley, we are taking early, proactive steps to conserve water. We will continue to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the Canal remains open for navigation.”
These measures are contingent upon weather conditions and may be suspended if rainfall amounts return to normal.
