New York’s Erie Canal Is Getting a Serious Makeover

Photo: New York State Canals

According to Cuomo, “When the Erie Canal was created in the 19th-century it set the state and the nation on a path to prosperity, and this year we will repurpose the canal to fit our state’s 21st-century needs. This bold and visionary plan to transform this historic waterway will build on the success of the Empire State Trail, grow tourism across Upstate New York, improve resilience of today’s canal communities and ensure the economic sustainability of the waterway into the future.”

Conceptual designs for parts of the canal are promising much-needed changes that are sure to attract tourism. The planned Cayuga Lake whitewater course and the transformation of Guy Park Manor are beautiful examples of the changes to come.

Photo: New York State Canals

Photo: New York State Canals

The project also intends to highlight “iconic infrastructure” along the waterway. Movable dams in the Mohawk Valley, for example, can expect some eye-catching aesthetic transformation, like water-powered light installations.

Photo: New York State Canals

The potential designs of the Canastota “pocket neighborhood,” i.e. one of the residential areas planned along the canal, also look very auspicious for the local community.

Photo: New York State Canals

Construction is expected to begin this year, with the ultimate aim of connecting every town and city along the waterway. It will also be designed to link up with the 750-mile Empire State Trail, another project proposed by Cuomo, that would connect Manhattan to Lake Champlain, and Buffalo to Albany.