Governor Hochul Launches Green Boats Program to Spur Electrification of Tour and Charter Vessels on State's Canal System

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the "Green Boats" program to advance the electrification of tour and charter boats operating on the New York State Canal system. Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation are creating an incentive program to support the conversion of fossil fuel-powered vessels of qualifying tour, rental, and charter boat operators on the Canal system to electric propulsion. To attract interest in such a program, the New York Power Authority recently released a Request for Expressions of Interest ("RFEI") and successfully implemented a pilot project with Erie Canal Adventures in Macedon, Wayne County, by converting one of the company's 42-foot charter boats from diesel to electric power.