Field Trips Top 5,000 Students | |
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More than 5,000 students will participate in field trips to canal-related museums and historic sites, and national parks in the Erie Canalway this school year thanks to the Erie Canalway Ticket to Ride Program. That’s a 50% increase over last year, made possible by our partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, with additional support from the National Park Foundation, and the National Park Service.
As the weather warms, students will explore the canal firsthand and learn about history, engineering, science, and math at more than a dozen sites. In addition, teachers and students will take advantage of online educational resources through the Erie Canal Learning Hub. Last year, we saw more than 128,496 visits to the site, which offers 3D tours and videos, curriculum, and history information.
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Coming soon! Mohawk Valley Historic Revitalization Grants | |
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Applications open on April 1 for Erie Canalway’s new Mohawk Valley Historic Revitalization Grant Program. This program will offer grants for brick-and-mortar investment in National Register listed historic properties and properties that contribute to a listed historic district located within selected small rural Mohawk Valley communities adjacent to the NYS Canal System.
Grants will be open to private, public, and nonprofit owners of historic properties. Requests may not be less than $50,000; nor exceed $100,000. A 25% cash match of the total project cost is required.
Up to $712,000 in funding is available and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. This new program is supported by a Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund.
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Little Falls on the Erie Canal | |
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The NYS Canalway Water Trail is recruiting volunteer stewards to adopt sections of the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, and Oswego canals-- particularly in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Stewards act as greeters and ensure that launch sites are clean and beautiful for all to use and enjoy. Join our team of dedicated volunteers and paddle more, enjoy nature, and give back!
BECOME A STEWARD
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Development and stewardship of the NYS Canalway Water Trail is made possible through funding support and partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation. | |
Restore New York Applications Open
Empire State Development’s Restore New York Communities Initiative (“Restore NY”) provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures.
Intent to Apply Form Due: March 25, 2024, by 5pm EST
Final Application Due: May 22, 2024, by 3pm EST
RESTORE NY
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Consult the Restore New York website for priority communities. | |
Canal Communities Benefit from Latest Round of State Funding
Governor Hochul recently announced Central New York Winners of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and second round of the NY Forward Program. Aurora, Cayuga and Union Springs jointly, as well as Herkimer, Tonawanda, and Waterloo will receive $10 million each in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding. Canastota, Brewerton, Webster and Macedon will receive $4.5 million each to implement revitalization projects through NY Forward. Congratulations!
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE
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The Cayuga-Seneca Canal passing through Waterloo | |
What's Happening for the Bicentennial?
The bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025 is approaching and planning is underway to make a splash. Multiple organizations across the Canalway are engaged in planning commemorative events, tours, conferences, ribbon cuttings, and more. See our update for highlights.
BICENTENNIAL UPDATE
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Wholesale Now Available from the NYS Canal Store
We are making our most popular items from the NYS Canal Store available by wholesale to gift shops in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Retailers can choose from a variety of designs and merchandise, priced for resale. Contact Ashley Quimby-Simoni at Ashley_quimby-simoni@partner.nps.gov for pricing and details.
VISIT THE CANAL STORE
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Welcome Rebecca Keister!
We recently welcomed Rebecca Keister as Development Manager to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, the official nonprofit partner of the National Heritage Corridor. Rebecca will be leading efforts to secure additional resources to advance programs and new initiatives in the Erie Canalway. She enjoys performing arts, home-improvement TV, and whitewater rafting. She lives in Queensbury with her family.
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UPCOMING CONFERENCES & EVENTS | |
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Erie Canalway Commission and Heritage Fund Board Quarterly Meeting
Save the date!
April 24, 10am-12pm, virtual via TEAMS
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Your Support Matters!
Help to ensure that New York's canals are preserved, celebrated, and vibrant for all. Donate today to the nonprofit Erie Canalway Heritage Fund. Our work is made possible thanks to the generous and ongoing support of the National Park Service, NYS Canal Corporation, NYS Agencies, foundations, corporations, and people like you.
DONATE
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