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Seeus at the Workboat Show booth #1262ways and other new initiatives. During that forum and other events, Mr. Stratton has emphasized the impor- tance of supporting the return of commercial utilization of our inland waterways. COMMERCIAL ORIGINS? BACKTOTHE FUTURE?It is important to support the significant tourism and cultural benefits of the Canal,? Stratton said. ?But there is no better way to sustain these uses over the long term than to use the Canal for the purpose its builders ini-tially envisioned: moving cargo safely and efficiently from one place to another.? Stratton points to the fed- eral Marine Highway system ? which includes the Erie Canal ? as one of many signs that transportation plan- ners are getting serious about using inland waterways to compliment land-based transportation modes. Moreover, Stratton believes that container-on-barge traffic and project cargoes will play a role in the future of the Canal System. Already, companies such as Donjon Marine and NYS Marine Highway specialize in the transport over over-dimensional items between the Great Lakes and the eastern seaboard utilizing New York?s Canals. ?What we love to see on New York?s Canal System is originating cargo, items which have been produced, fab- ricated or rehabilitated by business right here in the Brian Stratton, Director, NY State Canal Corp.MN#11 (66-81):MN 2011 Layouts 11/2/2011 4:04 PM Page 79