Senator Nozzolio Continues Commitment To The Seneca Falls Canal Harbor Project

Seneca Falls – As a continuation of his commitment to the revitalization of the Seneca Falls Harbor project started in 1998, New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) today announced that 15 new historic lights will light the southside of the Seneca Falls canal harbor. In addition to the lighting and a pedestrian walkway, boats can now tie up on the southside of the harbor. Carmella Mantello, New York State Canal Corporation Director, joined the Senator at the event. The New York State Canal Corporation assisted in the design of improvements along the Southside of the canal wall.
"I'm very pleased to have played a key role in the redevelopment of the Seneca Falls Harbor," said Senator Nozzolio. "At a time when there is a resurgence of interest in our canal's history and it's potential for tourism, it is even more important that Seneca Falls have the most up to date and welcoming harbor possible".

The Seneca Falls Canal Harbor is located in the heart of Seneca Falls, along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, a portion of the New York State Canal System which links the Erie Canal with Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Significant improvements to the Southside of the canal wall include additional lighting and landscaping and a pedestrian walkway.

Carmella Mantello, New York State Canal Corporation Director said, “As one of the first Canal harbors constructed under the Governor’s Canal Revitalization Program, Seneca Falls stands as a great example of what can be achieved when the State and local governments work together to enhance our natural, historical and cultural resources, increase tourism and improve the quality of life in our communities. The Canal Corporation is pleased to have
partnered with Senator Nozzolio and the Village of Seneca Falls on the design for these new improvements. As we continue to move forward the Governor’s vision for creating an Erie Canal Greenway, and eventually an Empire State Greenway, I look forward to many more exciting announcements here in Seneca Falls and along the entire Canal System.”

In 1998, Senator Nozzolio worked with Governor George Pataki and the New York State Canal Corporation to secure $1 million in State funding for phase one of the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor revitalization project, which included resurfacing and rebuilding the canal wall; construction of a waterfront promenade including installation of vintage-style lighting, benches and railings; the installation of new accommodations for boaters, including 400 feet of floating docks, pump-out facilities and boater pedestals providing both electric and water services. The project was recognized among 67 entries from the United States, Canada, Europe and the Far East as the recipient of the “1999 Excellence on the Waterfront Honor Award”.

“The Seneca Falls Canal Harbor is one of the most scenic sights in the Village of Seneca Falls, attracting the attention of visitors from all across the globe, thereby helping to stimulate tourism and economic development in Seneca County and throughout the Finger Lakes,” Senator Nozzolio added.

Earlier this year, Senator Nozzolio continued his support and secured an additional $350,000 in state funding for the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor project. This brought the Senator’s total financial support for the project to more than $1.3 million. The funding has supported additional recreational uses of the network of waterways which span the Finger Lakes region. The Seneca Falls Harbor is considered the boating gateway for the Barge Canal system to the Finger Lakes.

Senator Nozzolio also secured $1 million for the Village of Seneca Falls in 1997 to reopen the historic Bridge Street bridge, which overlooks the Seneca-Cayuga Canal and helped to establish the Village as a thriving canal town.

“Increased utilization of our canals and waterways will drive business growth and create new jobs. New York State is at the forefront of these economic opportunities and developing the canal's potential is a way to capitalize on our area's natural resources and beauty,” concluded Nozzolio, a member of the New York State Senate Committees on Tourism and Transportation.

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