Applications Now Open for 2027 NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Events Grants

WATERFORD, NY – The New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering competitive grant funding to support tourism, recreation, and events along the New York State Canal System, including canal waterways and the Canalway Trail. Applications are open now through November 20, 2026.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $24,000 are available for capital improvement projects and purchase of equipment that enhance recreational amenities and tourism along the NYS Canal System.

Grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 are available for public events and festivals that encourage exploration and enjoyment of New York State’s canal corridor.

Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American nations located within the Canalway Corridor. All grants require a one-to-one match.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “New York’s Canal System thrives because of the communities and organizations that bring it to life. These grants help them expand that impact, strengthening local economies and enriching the Canal experience for everyone. I’m excited to see the new ideas and partnerships that emerge across the corridor.”

This program is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the Canalway Corridor is among the most sought-after destinations in the nation for people of all ages and abilities. Applications that emphasize accessibility, incorporate universal design principles, and address gaps in services and amenities will be prioritized in 2027.

Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor said, “Investing in tourism infrastructure, amenities, and events contributes to the recreational appeal and economic vitality of canal waterways and trails.  We look forward to working with communities across the state to bring their projects to fruition.”

The program will award $229,757 in 2027. Since the program began in 2022, grants totaling $963,766 have been awarded to communities across the entire Erie Canalway corridor.

For details and to apply, visit: www.eriecanalway.org/resources/grants/

ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CANAL CORPORATION

The New York State Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, oversees the operation and promotion of the New York State Canal System. The Canal Corporation’s mission is to operate and maintain a premier waterway and trail system that honors the historic legacy of the Erie Canal and offers unique recreational and tourism opportunities, while also promoting sustainable economic development throughout the canal corridor. For more information on the New York State Canal System and the Canal Corporation, please visit www.canals.ny.gov.

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR

Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor works to preserve the Nation’s extraordinary canal heritage, promote the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and foster vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, nonprofit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. Visit www.eriecanalway.org for more information.