Read more: Local, State, Outdoors, Water Issue, Canals
ALBANY (AP) -- New York's canal system is closing for the winter Sunday following its 184th navigation season.
Canal Corporation Director Carmella Mantello says overall traffic was up about 5 percent from last season. Recreational, commercial and tour vessels have passed through canal locks nearly 122,000 times this season, compared to about 115,000 last year.
Mantello says commercial traffic has really seen an uptick in the last two years and is a greener, cleaner alternative to trucking.
State officials will hold a ceremony at Lock E-3 in the Saratoga County town of Waterford to mark the closure. Canal Corporation employees will be doing repairs and maintenance throughout the winter season.
For a listing of the 2009/2010 Winter Calendar of Events, click here.
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