For Immediate Release:
06/13/19
Contact:
Steven Gosset
| Steven.Gosset@nypa.gov
Media Relations | (914) 390-8192
NEW KAYAK AND CANOE LAUNCH FUNDED BY CANAL CORPORATION OPENS ON CAZENOVIA LAKE
Lake Has Seen Rapid Growth in Visitors
CAZENOVIA—The New York State Canal Corporation and village of Cazenovia today dedicated a new launch for kayaks and canoes and provide a dedicated space for boaters in an increasingly popular park.
The launch in Lakeland Park was funded by a $70,000 grant from the Canal Corporation as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council program.
The park previously had a single access point for boaters and swimmers. The new launch will be at the park’s southern border away from swimmers and a small public beach.
“Beyond the beauty of Cazenovia Lake, this boat launch enables kayaks and canoes to connect to a wonderful section of Chittenango Creek,” said Brian U. Stratton, Canal Corporation Director. “This launch will enable more boaters to explore a beautiful and historic stretch of the state Canal System.”
Cazenovia Lake is linked by a feeder canal to Chittenango Creek. The creek feeds into the historic Erie Canal and ends at Oneida Lake, which is part of the modern-day Canal System.
The funding also helped pay for the repair of a canal wall at the site of the launch.
The Cazenovia community is grateful for the support of New York State and the Canal Corporation for funding this project,” said Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler. “Increasing access to outdoor recreational opportunities has been identified as a local priority. We have a wealth of natural resources located in and around Cazenovia and have increasingly become a destination to enjoy the outdoors. This project will enhance the ability of residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Cazenovia Lake and Chittenango Creek.”
The boat launch was funded through the Canalway Grant Program, which includes up to $1 million in competitive grants available to eligible municipalities, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations along the New York State Canal System for canal-related capital projects. The minimum grant request amount is $25,000. The maximum grant request is $150,000.
Proposed projects need to demonstrate how they will achieve some or all of the following: expand public access, increase visitation and recreational use, stimulate private investment, improve services and amenities for Canalway land and water trail users, and enhance the connections between the canal and the corresponding region.
Priority this year will be given to projects that encourage canal-related tourism and stimulate private investment in tourism infrastructure. The deadline to apply is July 26. For more information, go to www.canals.ny.gov/community/grant.html.
About the New York State Canal Corporation
New York’s canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique and historic communities. In 2019, New York will mark the 200th anniversary of the first trip taken on the Erie Canal, from Rome to Utica.
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