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Empire State,? Stratton said. ?NYS Marine Highway recently moved two large rotors which were manufactured in Schenectady to a power plant in Canada. That helps show that the Canal is still a viable transportation artery, and that it can still help support good- paying jobs in upstate New York.? Stratton plans to pursue more resources for dredging, and to expand the Corporation?s capital construction program. He recently led a successful effort to have the New York State Legislature increase the bonding authority for canal projects by $100 million. INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNSThe Canal System sustained serious damage this year following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Much of the Canal in the Mohawk Valley remains closed, impacting recreation- al and commercial traffic. Though the Canal System typically closes on November 15, the damaged section of the Canal is not expected to even re-open until November 24. As such, the Oswego Canal and the Erie Canal between Syracuse and Albany is being kept open until early December this year, in order to accommodate cus- tomers affected by the closure. Recently, Stratton has been underway on the Canal, leading a waterborneinspection of locks, lift bridges, andother structures that comprise the historic waterway, now in its 187th consecutive year of operation. This statutorily-required inspection had been conducted by water through the decades, until the practice was sus-pended in the early 90s. Stratton explains, ?I don?t know how you can assess the problems that are out there, and begin to develop solutions, without seeing the waterway first-hand, warts and all.? FULLSTEAMAHEAD?In addition to inspecting each struc- ture and meeting with Corporationemployees, local elected officials, and business owners, Stratton met with officials in Wayne County on their plans for a new public-private com- mercial port on the Canal System. He was also pleased to learn from many manufacturing companies thatthere is continued interest in shipping on the Canal, provided improve- ments can be made to the System?s depth and reliability. Stratton aims to continue that momentum into theNew Year, furthering the goal of a viable inland shortsea shipping indus- try. Without a doubt, Infrastructure improvement will the key; Stratton the driver. So far, so good. www.northriverboats.com WE SPECIALIZE IN BUILDING COMMERCIAL VESSELS TO MEET YOUR EXACT NEEDS [email protected] 247 Kester Road | Roseburg, OR 97470 GS-07F-0357MVViissiitt uuss aattBBooootthh ## 33116611?? comprised of approximately 500 full time employees, the Corporation maintains and operates 57 locks, 16 lift bridges, a fleet of over 60 maintenance vessels such as tugboatsand dredges, and numerous other water control structures.? 80MNNovember 2011MN#11 (66-81):MN 2011 Layouts 11/3/2011 2:38 PM Page 80