Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor approves $60K in grants
Mural on Brockport book store among the projects
The National Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor has announced $60,000 of IMPACT! grants for eight projects in canal communities.
None of the projects receiving funding are in Orleans County, but one includes repairs to a mural at the Lift Bridge Book Store in nearby Brockport.
“We are fortunate to collaborate with an extraordinary network of community- based groups that are doing vital work to preserve and showcase canal heritage and welcome people to explore the canal in their local communities,” the National Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor stated.
The eight grants range from $2,000 to $12,000 and will leverage an additional $515,291 in private and public project support. The NYS Canal Corporation partnered in helping to fund the grants, which increase in the award threshold and the funding of additional projects in 2020.
The projects receiving funding include:
• 1st Amendment, First Vote – Civic Engagement Field Trip to Historic Seneca Falls for Teen Girls
Bring 100 high school girls from 19 school districts across the Canal Corridor to Seneca Falls for the commemoration of the 19th Amendment. The activity is part of a year-long immersive program in civic engagement. Awarded: $2,000
• Buffalo Maritime Center – Interactive Interpretive Exhibit at Buffalo Canalside
Design and plan exhibits for the Longshed at Canalside in Buffalo’s Inner Harbor, where a replica packet boat is being constructed to celebrate the “Wedding of the Waters” Bicentennial. The exhibits will feature interactive interpretive displays of the 1825 era replica packet boat. Awarded: $5,000
• City of Oneida – The History of the Erie Canal and Oneida
Design and fabricate four interpretive signs to be placed on walking trails in the city. Signs will highlight canal resources including an aqueduct, a dry dock, and the adjacent feeder canal. Awarded: $12,000
• County of Oswego – Oswego River Paddling Access Site
Design an ADA accessible car-top paddling access area on the Oswego River. The site will include an ADA accessible trail, parking, and accessible hand-launch docks. This will give paddlers access to a 4-mile section of scenic waterway between Locks 5 and 6. Awarded: $12,000
• Feeder Canal Alliance — Field School Environmental Lab on the Glens Falls Feeder Canal
Develop a hands-on field school environmental lab on the Glens Falls Feeder Canal. The program will practice an inquiry-based approach to education and focus on environmental themes, including water quality and invasive species. Awarded: $5,000
• National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls – Exhibit Showcasing Inspiring Women in History
Create a movable exhibit that honors women and their contributions in history. The new exhibits will be located in the new home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame in the historic Seneca Knitting Mill. Awarded: $10,000
• Town of Lyons – Canalside Landscaping and Beautification
Design and implement a sustainable garden space alongside Lock 27 in downtown Lyons. With municipal support, landscape architects and volunteers will revitalize a waterfront space to welcome canal travelers. Awarded: $7,000
• Village of Brockport – Main Street Mural Restoration
Restore a prominent mural on Main Street depicting a scene from Peter Spier’s Erie Canal children’s book. Restoring the mural will ensure that the charm and grace of this canal community will continue to be appreciated by residents and visitors for years to come. Awarded: $7,000
