Erie canal open

[edbulmer]

Just read an article that the Erie canal is open early to help the farmers. Anyone heard this news also? Great news.

[tjblaser]

nothing on their website yet. www dot canals dot ny dot gov slash news slash notices slashindex.shtml.

Might want to sign up for transalert from their website,

[edbulmer]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2012

AT SCHUMER’S URGING, ERIE CANAL WILL OPEN EARLY IN ORLEANS COUNTY TO HELP FARMERS IRRIGATE BERRY CROPS AND PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE – CANAL WILL OPEN EARLY NEXT WEEK


Many Farms Throughout Area Rely On Erie Canal To Water Their Crops With Overhead Sprinklers – Method Helps Prevent Damage From Extreme Temperature Swings

Farmers Can’t Pump Water From Canal Unless It’s Open & Full – After Freeze Followed Warm Weather & Caused Crop Damage, Schumer Urged Thruway To Open Early

Schumer: Farmers Need Protection From Tough Weather

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the NY Thruway Authority has heeded his call and will open up the Erie Canal approximately one week ahead of schedule, ensuring that berry farmers have sufficient water to irrigate their crops and prevent further cold weather-induced damage. Berry farmers throughout Western New York have struggled in recent weeks after warm weather accelerated their crops blooming time, only to have exposed berries frozen and damaged when temperatures dropped back to more seasonal levels. Last week, Schumer urged the Thruway Authority to open the canal ahead of schedule, providing much needed water to irrigate berry crops. Today, Schumer announced that Thruway officials have confirmed that the canal will open on April 15th or 16th, one week ahead of schedule.

[edbulmer]

That is the article I read when I just googled Erie Canal Opeining 2012,
Don't know why the gov. site doesn't have the info. That article is from a gov. official. Doesn't that say something? LOL

[GordMay]

The projected opening date for the 2012 “navigation” season is May 1.
The report from the office of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer incorrectly indicated the canal was “opening” early. I believe that they are letting water into the canal early, for "irrigation" purposes only.