Senator Rachel May (D-Onondaga, Madison, Oneida) announced that the New York Power Authority Board has selected Madison County to receive award funding for revitalization of the Erie Canal.
The initial $30 million in funding awards (of which Madison County will receive a portion) are spread across New York state to help expand tourism, boost economic development and reduce flooding along the Erie Canal corridor.
Madison County’s project aims to adapt industrial properties for new uses. The project will create a canal side pocket neighborhood on a former industrial property in Canastota along the Old Erie Canal. This neighborhood will be a model for 21st century canal side living.
“The Erie Canal was, and continues to be, a tremendous asset for New York state,” said May. “As a tourism destination, the canal draws tens of thousands of visitors and brings in billions of dollars to our Upstate towns and villages. I am very excited for the long-term reimagining of the canal and pleased to see Madison County receive one of the first awards to revitalize a portion in Canastota.”