#KeepCanalBoatsAfloat

Have you heard about the NY Canal Corp and NY Power Authority’s plans for the oldest Tug on the Erie Canal?

This famous teaching tug was launched in 1901 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Through the years multitudes of children throughout NYS have visited the Tug to learn about the history of the Erie Canal – OUR history!  Now plans are underway to pull it from the Erie Canal and make it a dry land exhibit along the NYS Thruway.

Here is a link from our local online newspaper, OrleansHub.com.  The editor posted a press release from the Preservation League of NYS and its campaign to save Tug Urger and the entire fleet of historic canal vessels. I urge you to read the press release.  In addition, go to the Preservation League of NYS website, and read their position paper.  You can also sign the petition to #SaveTheUrger.  I did.

I think Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Corridor said it best, “Its hard to imagine the future of the canal system without Tug Urger and other significant historic vessels on the water.  These vessels contain the sense of New York State pride, stewardship, and heritage that are integral to a thriving, living waterway.”

Express your concerns.  Do it now.  Because once these historic vessels are gone, they are gone forever.

#SaveTheUrger

#KeepCanalBoatsAfloat