Posted at: 11/29/2009 12:01 PM | WHEC.com
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NY canal system gets boost
New York State's canal system saw a rise in traffic this year, bucking a national trend.
The 5 percent growth in 2009 follows a precipitous drop of 22 percent the previous year. Around the country, many canal areas are struggling to keep traffic up.
The growth is partly due to more than 300 canal-related recreational events, from harbor festivals to free cruises. Officials say that about 40 events would have been the norm a few years ago.
In 2009, recreational, commercial and tour vessels passed under canal bridges nearly 122,000 times. Officials say more locals are staying close to home for their water recreation in this economy.
The New York canal system is a 524-mile waterway that includes the Erie and Oswego canals.
