|
Governor
Cuomo Announces $2.5 Million Competition to
|
Re-Imagine
How New York State Canal System is Used
|
|
|
Announcement
Made at World Canals Conference Attended by
|
Hundreds
of Canal Experts and Enthusiasts from Three Continents
|
|
Albany,
NY – September 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has
announced that the state will hold a global
competition to find the best ideas to re-imagine the New York State
Canal System so it becomes an engine for economic growth upstate as well
as a world-class tourist destination. The competition, to be run by the
New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, will award
up
to $2.5 million to develop and implement the winning ideas.
“The
Canal System is a vital part of New York’s storied past and it is critical
that it continues to be an essential component of our state’s future,”
Governor Cuomo said. “We’re looking for bold and innovative ideas that
ensure the canal system and its surrounding communities can grow and prosper
and with this competition, we encourage bright minds from across the globe
to contribute their best ideas to help bring this piece of history to new
heights.”
|
|
“Originally
labeled Clinton’s Folly, the Erie Canal went on to become one of the most
significant transportation milestones in our history, putting Upstate NY
on the path to a century of prosperity,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy
Hochul. “It is fitting that now, as we celebrate its bicentennial, we re-imagine
how this iconic Canal can once again become an engine for economic growth
across New York State.”
The
competition was announced as New York continues the celebration of the
bicentennial of the Erie Canal, whose construction began in Rome, N.Y.,
on July 4, 1817. Next year, the State will mark the centennial of the 524-mile
state Canal System, which includes the Erie, Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca and
Oswego canals.
“There
are many people in the public and private sector who are passionate about
the canals,” said Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of the New York Power
Authority, which operates the state Canal System as a subsidiary. “We want
to translate that passion into sustainable projects that will make the
canal corridor bigger and better.”
Quiniones
unveiled the competition at the World Canals Conference in Syracuse, where
hundreds of canal experts and enthusiasts from three continents attended.
“The
building of the Erie Canal took persistence, vision and overcoming deep
skepticism, but its construction transformed this nation,” Brian U. Stratton,
New York State Canal Corporation director said. “Now, we want to transform
the canals so they become go-to travel and recreation destinations. The
entries can come from anywhere. Good ideas have no boundaries.”
The
goals of the competition include soliciting programs and initiatives that
promote:
-
The Canal
System and its trails as a tourist destination and recreational asset for
New York residents and visitors;
-
Sustainable
economic development along the Canal System;
-
The Canal
System’s heritage; and
-
The long-term
financial sustainability of the Canal Corporation
The competition
will seek entries on two separate tracks, one for infrastructure; the other
for programs that have the potential to increase recreation use and tourism.
In
the first round, entrants will provide information about how their proposal
meets core competition goals and outlines the applicant’s qualifications.
Finalists will each receive $50,000 to implement their ideas for the second
round, where they will partner with either a municipality along the Canal
System or a non-profit engaged in canal-related work. A panel of judges
will select two or more winners to receive between $250,000 and $1.5 million
to plan their projects and implement them.
Submissions
for the first round are due Dec. 4. The final winners will be announced
next spring.
For
more information, go to www.reimaginethecanals.com.
Source
Document
Media
Contact:
Press
Office
518-474-8418
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov |