The Canal Corporation, which oversees the state's 500 plus miles of canals, is headed for a big change in a few months when responsibility for the system is moved from the Thruway Authority to the New York Power Authority.
During budget negotiations earlier this year, Assemblywoman Russell opposed the transfer, citing the potential for higher electricity rates for consumers as the historically costly canal system could cut into profit margins for NYPA that have been used to attract new businesses and maintain existing operations.
The Canal Corporation has been unable to cover its expenses - $105.6 million in 2015 - with annual revenue of approximately $205,000 and until now the difference has been made up by the Thruway Authority. After January, the Power Authority will be responsible for balancing the budget.
Now that the decision to complete the transfer has been made, Assemblywoman Russell believes it is important to get to know the canal system since its operations will be tied to the North Country's ability to continue to improve the regional business climate.
The nearly 200-year old network of canals continues to provide water access from the Great Lakes to the Hudson River.
While the assemblywoman was visiting the locks in Phoenix, tourists from Canada passed through the locks, proof of the potential of the system to continue attracting business.
"The success of the canal system is now directly linked to the ability of NYPA to continue offering consumers electricity rates that are affordable in the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell said.
"Whether the canal system's mission needs to be adjusted to better reflect the use it gets in 2016 and beyond is a conversation we will have down the road, but I believe we must work to ensure energy consumers are not negatively impacted by the new arrangement," she added.
Assemblywoman Russell noted she represents a number of communities that border the St. Lawrence River so she has an understanding of many of the issues related to recreational boating and other water-based recreation activities that are also important to the Canal Corporation.
"I often tell my colleagues that I come from a coastal community, and I can bring that perspective to the table and transfer knowledge about how our river communities leverage the waterway for economic gain," she noted.
The canal system includes 524 miles of waterways for four canals, 300 miles of recreational trails and 22 reservoirs used to manage the system’s water levels in addition to thousands of structures.
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell surveys part of the state's canal system, including an aging but well-maintained tug boat. Pictured with Assemblywoman Russell are Michael Cortese, Jr., Canal Corporation, Syracuse Section superintendent; Todd A. Gold, Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation, director of Government Relations; Ambrose Barbuto, Canal Corporation, Division canal engineer; and John Joyce, Canal Corporation, director of Special Projects.
The canal system includes 524 miles of waterways for four canals, 300 miles of recreational trails and 22 reservoirs used to manage the system’s water levels in addition to thousands of structures.
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell surveys part of the state's canal system, including an aging but well-maintained tug boat. Pictured with Assemblywoman Russell are Michael Cortese, Jr., Canal Corporation, Syracuse Section superintendent; Todd A. Gold, Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation, director of Government Relations; Ambrose Barbuto, Canal Corporation, Division canal engineer; and John Joyce, Canal Corporation, director of Special Projects.
