“The Erie Canal is one example of how New York has been a leader in innovation, commerce and transportation for centuries. My Assembly District alone contains 56 percent of all lift bridges on the Erie Canal system and I have seen firsthand how thriving communities like Brockport, Medina, Albion, Holley, Murray, Ridgeway, Sweden, Gaines and Hulberton have benefited and will continue to benefit from the increased tourism and commerce.

“In celebration of the bicentennial and tremendous heritage of the canal, I am pleased to announce that permit fees for recreational vessels will be waived this year and the New York State Canal Corporation will be hosting a series of events in towns along the canal from Albany to Buffalo. I encourage all of my constituents to attend one of these fun events this summer and learn more about the Erie Canal and its history by visiting http://www.canals.ny.gov/ or https://eriecanalway.org/.”