Page 12: of Marine News Magazine (September 2014)

INSIGHTSBrian U. Stratton was appointed Director of the New York State Canal Corporation in April 2011, to oversee the operation and development of New York?s 524-mile Canal System, including the historic Erie Canal. The canal sys- tem, a historic system of waterways that dates back almost 200 years, was begun in 1817. Opened in its entirety in 1825, the Erie Canal is widely considered the engineering marvel of the 19th Century. But the canal system spans much more than the Erie Canal. It?s potential as an inland marine highway is undeniable. Today, it attracts both rec- reation and commerce to its waters. Stratton was appointed at the recommendation of Gov- ernor Andrew M. Cuomo, and serves as a member of the Governor?s Cabinet. Prior to joining the Canal Corpora- tion Stratton was elected Mayor of the City of Schenectady in 2003, and re-elected to a second term in 2007. Dur- ing his tenure, he successfully identi ed and corrected the City?s  nancial problems, returning Schenectady?s mu- nicipal credit rating from the lowest in New York State to investment grade, including a sustained A- rating by Standard & Poor?s. Also during his seven years as mayor, he worked with local leaders to attract more than $300 million in new private investment in the City of Sche- nectady, creating and retaining more than 2,000 jobs. As Mayor, Stratton also served from 2009-2011 as Co-Chair of the United States Conference of Mayors Water Council, leading mayors of more than 300 American cities in the discussion and national policy formation of issues impact-ing how cities provide safe and affordable water and waste- water services. His numerous awards include the National Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Distin- guished Local Government Leadership Award in 2009 and the AGA New York Chapter Outstanding Achievement Award in 2008. Mr. Stratton received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY Oswego in 1980. Today, and as the chief executive of the New York Canal System, we work to ensure that commerce and recreation can exist side by side on the waterways and to improve infrastructure so that the system can realize its full potential, not only to the state of New York, but also to the nation?s intermodal system. In August, we sat down with Stratton to discuss those efforts. Give us a current situation report on the state of New York?s Canal System. The New York State Canal System encompasses 524 miles of navigation along four Canals, lakes, rivers and tributaries, providing a vital link for recreation and com- merce, just as it has for nearly two centuries. As many mar- iners know, the Canal System suffered signi cant damage Brian U. Stratton Director of Canals, New York State Canal Corporation September 201412 MNMN Sept14 Layout 1-17.indd 12MN Sept14 Layout 1-17.indd 128/20/2014 11:46:24 AM8/20/2014 11:46:24 AM