New York canal system

[knotflying]

I saw this on the loopers site and thought I would pass it on to our forum.arset="us-ascii"

Dear Fellow Boaters, PLEASE read this:

Some of you may have heard that the NY Thruway has proposed an increase in
truck tolls. Cars will not be affected. Remember also, that the Thruway
owns the NY Canal System including the Erie Canal and the others, so this
increase will directly affect us boaters.

There is considerable opposition to this increase and while I normally
might be opposed to it, I also consider how this will affect our beloved
Canals. The Canal System is always near broke, and the destruction last
year from Hurricane Irene only made things worse.

The opposition is gearing up for a fight, and many will attend the public
meetings in Buffalo, Syracuse and Newburgh on August 16, 17 & 18. If any
of you are able to attend those meetings, your presence would be greatly
appreciated. We need a few folks to stand up there and state they support
the increase so that Thruway will be able to properly carry on their
maintenance programs which includes both the roads and the Canals.

In addition to this, it would be greatly appreciated if everybody reading
this could also send a short email to this address:
tollcomments@thruway.ny.gov In those emails, please state your support of
the truck toll increase so that the Thruway Authority can continue their
maintenance programs on the roads and also the canals. It would not hurt
to copy me in with your email, so that I can show the Canal Corp management
who their friends really are.

More info is available at www.thruway.ny.gov

Please if ya have an extra 5 minutes, please at least send the email, and
Real Special Thanks to those who might be able to actually attend the
Public Comment Meetings.

Also could someone please forward my email to the T & T list and any other
forums you may participate in.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Done. The Erie Canal is a real treasure, a unique boat cruising experience. Completely different from any other cruising we've done, but very interesting. Welcoming small towns, staying on lock walls in the boonies, wonderful architecture and history, and friendly lockmasters. Great restaurants within easy walking distance. Farmers markets. Concerts. We spent 6 weeks on the Erie in 2009. We were frequently the only boat going through a lock. I was surprised that there wasn't more boat traffic, especially considering what a fun trip it was. The cruising permit for the season for our size boat was the best bargain we've seen on the water!

I sent an e-mail in support of whatever it takes to keep up the maintenance of the NY Canal System. Not sure my out-of-state situation will carry much weight, but the canal is a treasure that boaters should get the opportunity to experience.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[Sine Wave]

An increase of 40% on Truckers tolls for the NYS Thruway will hurt business and the cost of living inthe State of New York and probably do nothing for the Erie canal. The Thruway Authority is rampant with political patronage. They will find ways to use this money for things other that improving the canal system.
PS: The Erie Canal is a great cruise. We did it last year.

Sine Wave

 

[Sine Wave]

Just a note to let everyone know that the 40% increase in tolls for trucks on the New York Thruway failed to pass. I doubt that it would have made any difference in the Canal operation one way or another. If you have not cruised the NYS Canal system (Erie Canal) do yourself a favor and do so.