Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) introduced two bills that would improve the maintenance and conservation of the Erie Canal and, in turn, help boost tourism, revitalize the local economy and protect the Mohawk Valley environment (A.7044, A.7045).

“Here in the Mohawk Valley, we don’t have to travel far to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature,” Buttenschon said. “From biking along the waterway to hiking through its scenic paths, the Erie Canal has so much to offer our community and beyond. This historical landmark and tourist attraction provides both economic and recreational benefits that will be vital to our recovery as we turn the corner on this pandemic and look toward the future. The bills I introduced would go a long way in ensuring the canal is cared for and preserved for years to come, and I’ll continue fighting to make them a reality.”

Buttenschon introduced legislation that would require the Canal Corporation to operate the canal between early May and early November annually. This comes after the length of the navigation season was significantly reduced, including last year due to COVID-19-related shutdowns and construction delays. These shortened seasons have severely hurt businesses that operate on the canal, such as tour boat companies, marinas and surrounding restaurants.

To avoid closures of tour boat companies and support this crucial tourism industry, this bill would also expand the use of state drydock facilities for commercial vessels like tour boats to include Coast Guard drydock inspections and winter storage. Ensuring the canal system remains open for the entirety of the navigation season and providing support to these local companies would help rejuvenate the Mohawk Valley’s economy and encourage more boaters and tourists to enjoy our waterside restaurants and businesses, Buttenschon noted.

Buttenschon also authored a bill that would reinstate regular meetings of the Canal Recreationway Commission, one of the core governing bodies of New York’s Erie Canal system.

As an environmental advocate and frequent visitor to the Erie Canal, Buttenschon has long been committed to protecting this critical resource and helped organize several clean-ups along the canal. In 2019, she was joined by Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie for a bike ride along the Erie Canal and, this year, she is challenging her Assembly colleagues to bike the canal as well.