COLLECTIVE

In May 2019, Governor Cuomo announced a sweeping initiative to examine how the Erie Canal system could be reimagined for the 21st century.

The initiative had five objectives:

Identify potential new uses for the Erie Canal aimed at improving the quality of life for New Yorkers;

Evaluate how the Erie Canal can support and enhance economic development along the canal corridor;

Find new opportunities to enhance recreation and tourism along the Erie Canal;

Assess how the Erie Canal can help mitigate impacts from flooding and ice jams to improve resiliency and restore ecosystems in canal communities; and

Identify opportunities for using Erie Canal infrastructure to expand irrigation for Western New York farms.

The Reimagine initiative builds on successful efforts by Governor Cuomo to invest in the Canal corridor, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Taste NY , which have stoked the growth of new industries, businesses and housing in Canal communities.