Brian U Stratton News

New York State Canal Corporation has donated one of its retired workboats to be displayed as part of a new educational exhibit set to open in Amsterdam, N.Y. in spring 2024.The vessel, Tender 4, was built in 1926 by American Boiler Works in Erie, Pa., and went on to serve nearly a century for the Canal Corporation, a New York State public-benefit corporation responsible for the oversight, administration and maintenance of the state's canal system.One of nine tenders built for the Canal Corporation in the 1920s…

Brian U. Stratton was appointed Director of the New York State Canal Corporation in April 2011, to oversee the operation and development of New York’s 524-mile Canal System, including the historic Erie Canal. The canal system, a historic system of waterways that dates back almost 200 years, was begun in 1817. Opened in its entirety in 1825, the Erie Canal is widely considered the engineering marvel of the 19th Century. But the canal system spans much more than the Erie Canal. It’s potential as an inland marine highway is undeniable.

New York’s Governor Cuomo announces retrofitted electric canal boat to demonstrate benefits of no-emission engine; NYSERDA, NYSDOT partnership with Canal Corp. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of an all-electric dredge tender workboat on the Erie Canal in the Utica area. The project is the result of a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Additionally…

Grande Mariner was Stranded on Canal System During 2011 Flooding. The M/V Grande Mariner, a 96-passenger cruise ship that was stranded for more than two months because of flooding in 2011, today returned to the Erie Canal for a new season of cruising America's most storied waterway. The ship, and a sister-ship, M/V Niagara Princes, both owned by Blount Small Ship Adventures in Warren, R.I., was among a handful of ships stranded on the New York State Canal system because of destructive high waters in August and September brought on by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Events Linked to Earth Day. More than 100 groups of volunteers are expected to join in for the seventh annual "Canal Clean Sweep" on the weekend of April 20-22, 2012. Sponsoring partners for the "Canal Clean Sweep" are the New York State Canal Corporation, the non-profit Parks & Trails New York, and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. The events along the 524-mile-long Canal system help celebrate Earth Day, April 22, and prepare the canals for the 188th consecutive navigation season, scheduled to begin May 1, weather permitting. Brian U.

Peak Performance Continues. In recognition of superior performance, the New York State Canal Corporation today announced top honors for the operators of canal facilities that provide outstanding service to patrons. Among the Canal honorees are: Best Lock, Lock 4 at Waterloo on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal; Best Section, Fort Edward on the Champlain Canal; and Best Tugboat, Tug Roosevelt, based in Utica on the Erie Canal. The winners were graded during an annual inspection of the 524-mile-long Canal system in the Fall. The inspection tour was led by Canal Corporation Director Brian U.

The steam yacht Cangarda this week began her inaugural trip on the Erie Canal, the New York State Canal Corporation announced on May 26. The 126-ft long vessel, built in, 1901, is the last remaining U.S.-built steam yacht in America, and one of only three left in the world. "We are pleased that this storied vessel will ply the waters of the Erie Canal this year," Canal Director Brian U. Stratton said. The vessel was purchased in 1904 by George Taylor Fulford, a member of Canadian Parliament. The yacht remained with the family for many years, home ported on the family estate on the St. Lawrence River. While there, it hosted the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Kent, and the prime ministers of both England and Canada.

April 2011 marks the 200th anniversary of the key decisions for the construction of the Erie Canal, a monumental public works project that transformed the economy of New York State. Two centuries ago, on April 8, 1811, the state Legislature approved a measure that set into motion the construction of the Erie Canal. This followed the delivery of a report on March 2, 2011 of a report by the original Commission. Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, "Two hundred years ago, visionary New Yorkers set forth a plan which would revolutionize communication and transportation throughout a young nation, lead to unprecedented prosperity and growth, and forever establish New York the Empire State.

Volunteer groups and individuals are invited to join the New York State Canal Corporation staff for the annual Canal Clean Sweep, scheduled for the weekend of April 15-17, 2011. The events along the 524-mile-long Canal system help celebrate Earth Day and to prepare the canals for the regular navigation season that is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2011. Brian U. Other partners for the "Canal Clean Sweep" include the private Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. Last year more than 90 groups participated in the clean-up weekend. For more information on the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep, or to help coordinate an event in your community, please contact Wally Elton of Parks and Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or email canalsweep@ptny.org.