New York State Canal Corporation facts for kids
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| New York State public benefit corporation overview | |
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| Jurisdiction | Administration of the New York State Canal System, including the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals |
| Headquarters | Administrative Headquarters 30 South Pearl St. Albany, NY 12207 |
| New York State public benefit corporation executive |
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The New York State Canal Corporation is a special organization in New York State. It is a public-benefit corporation, which means it works for the public good. Its main job is to manage, run, and keep up the amazing New York State Canal System.
This system includes famous waterways like the Erie Canal, Cayuga–Seneca Canal, Oswego Canal, and Champlain Canal. The Corporation also helps create and maintain the New York State Canalway Trail. This is a path often found alongside the canals. The goal is to make the Erie Canal area a great place for visitors and a useful waterway for boats. The entire canal system stretches for 524 miles. It features 57 locks, which help boats move between different water levels, and 17 lift bridges. If you plan to travel the Erie Canal by boat, the Corporation suggests you set aside about 5 days for the trip.
How the Canal Corporation Works
The New York State Canal Corporation is led by a director. Currently, this position is held by Brian Stratton. He was chosen for the role by Governor Andrew Cuomo in the spring of 2011. The main leaders of the Corporation report to a board of directors, which has 7 members.
In 2018, the board approved a budget of $82 million for daily operations and maintenance. They also set aside $40 million for larger projects and $3 million for special canal development. In 2012, the Canal Corporation had 529 employees. This included 458 full-time workers and 78 seasonal workers who helped during busy times.
Who Owns the Canals?
Over the years, the ownership of the Canal Corporation has changed. In May 2006, Governor George Pataki suggested that the Corporation should become an independent agency. This would mean it would no longer be overseen by the New York State Thruway Authority. However, this plan did not happen.
Since April 2016, the New York Power Authority has been financially responsible for the Canal Corporation. Then, on January 1, 2017, the New York Power Authority officially took ownership of the Canal Corporation.
