This agreement supports the operations of the erie canalway national heritage corridor and the execution of the management plan

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $527,162 to Erie Canalway Heritage Fund Inc. under the Heritage Partnership Program (CFDA 15.939) for the period of September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027. The agreement supports operational and project activities for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, focused on preserving and promoting the historic New York State canal system. Key deliverables include restoration and stewardship initiatives for the New York State Barge Canal, a National Historic Landmark, conducted in coordination with state agencies and stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and leverage additional funding sources.

The awardee will execute tangible heritage preservation and public engagement products, including development and replacement of wayfinding signage for the National Water Trail, recruitment and training of 90 volunteer stewards to support ongoing stewardship efforts, production of visitor brochures and educational materials, and hosting of the World Canals Conference in September 2025. These activities align with the Heritage Partnership Program's mandate to advance shared environmental stewardship, promote heritage tourism, and engage communities in the preservation of nationally significant cultural, historical, and recreational resources within the designated heritage corridor.

Erie canalways is working with stakeholders to restore an NYS barge canal, a national historic landmark by continuing compliance and leveraging funding with state agencies. The organization is continuing national water trail development by replacing signs, registering and training 90 volunteer stewards, and printing brochures for the area. Erie canalways is hosting the world canals conference, in september of 2025, showcasing recreational, cultural, and historic resources.