BILL NUMBER: S2026

SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act an act to amend the state law, in relation to designating the
tugboat Urger as the official tugboat of the state of New York

 
PURPOSE:

To designate the Urger as the official state tugboat of New York

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

This bill amends the state law by adding a new section 92 to designate
the Urger as the official tugboat of the State of New York.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The Urger was built in 1901 and purchased for service on the NYS Barge
              

Canal in 1922. It is one of the oldest operable tugboats in the country.
The Urger moved dredges, barges, and scows primarily on the Champlain
Canal and Eastern portion of the Erie Canal, from 1922 through 1986,
when she retired from heavy work. She returned to active service in 1991
and for the next 25 years served as flagship and travelling ambassador
for the New York State Canal System.

The Urger was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001
for her long and historic association with the development of New York
State's twentieth century canals and as a representative of evolving
twentieth century marine technology. Urger's significance is derived
from her lengthy career of canal operation as well as her service to
communities across New York State as an educational tool.

Once retired from heavy service, Urger served as the canal system's
ceremonial flagship and beloved "teaching tug," hosting over 100,000
students on school field trips over 25 years. Urger was the focus of
educational programs, historical interpretation, and celebrations in
canal-side communities across upstate New York and in ports from New
York Harbor to the Canadian border and west to the Great Lakes.

The New York State Canal System was designated a National Historic Land-
mark in 2016 due to its span, scope, and historic integrity. The histor-
ic vessels related to the NYS Canal System (including Urger) are a
significant component of the system's integrity. The National Historic
Landmark designation recognizes the importance of the canal fleet and
canal vessels to the New York State Canal System. For these reasons and
the historical significance and contributions of the Urger over time, we
should consider this designation as the State of New York's Official
Tug.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-2020: S3790 (May) Advanced to third reading/A4075 (McDonald)
Referred to governmental operations

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to state
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.