Senate Resolution No. 2091

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMEMORATING the Bicentennial of the
ground-breaking of the Erie Canal, to be celebrated
at a myriad of events along the waterway

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
its exceptional governmental, cultural, educational and recreational
facilities and institutions; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal, to be celebrated at a
myriad of events along the waterway; and

WHEREAS, The yearlong celebration kicks off on May 19, 2017, in
Waterford, with the next big event on July 8, 2017, at Lockport's set of
locks known as the Flight of Five; and

WHEREAS, The third major event is scheduled for July 22, 2017, in
Rome, New York, where the first dig will be reenacted; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal is America's most famous man-made waterway,
stretching more than 500 miles across the full expanse of upstate New
York; the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor encompasses New
York's canal system and the communities that grew along its shores; and

WHEREAS, This Corridor spans across upstate New York, including the
Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and the Champlain Canals and their historic
alignments, encompassing 4,834 square miles in 23 counties and is home
to 3.2 million people; and

WHEREAS, Along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are
upstate New York's largest population centers, Buffalo, Rochester,
Syracuse and the state capital, Albany; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
National Historic Landmarks within the State of New York, and in doing
so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is
preserved and shared with present and future generations of citizens;
and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the Erie Canal's rich story and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to the Erie Canal on its 200th Anniversary; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial of the ground-breaking of the Erie Canal,
to be celebrated at a series of major events along the waterway; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.