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New York Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill Commemorating Erie Canal’s Bicentennial

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WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today introduced the bipartisan Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act. This bill directs the US Treasury Secretary to produce a commemorative $5 gold coin, $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar coin to honor the canal’s bicentennial and highlight the tremendous contributions the Erie Canal has made to New York’s economic and historic success as well as our Nation’s development. All proceeds of the coin will support the important work of the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, which is the official nonprofit 501(c)(3) partner for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. 

“The Erie Canalway played a formative role shaping our nation and serves as a powerful economic driver to this day, supporting thousands of jobs and strengthening local economies across New York State. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this bill that will honor the canal’s history while investing in its strong future. As Co-Chair of the Heritage Areas Caucus, I’ll keep pushing to ensure all our treasured heritage areas receive federal support so our communities can continue to enjoy their many benefits for generations to come,” Congressman Tonko said.

“The Erie Canal was a driving force behind our region’s economic prosperity. The Mohawk Valley is where it all began, with construction starting in historic Rome, New York. I am honored to introduce this bipartisan bill today along with so many of my New York colleagues to celebrate the Erie Canal’s bicentennial and honor our region’s history. We need to restore the same spirit of dynamism and innovation that led to the canal’s development back to upstate New York so we can once again drive unprecedented growth and opportunity,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

The historical significance of the canal is unmatched. Construction began on July 4, 1817, in Rome, New York, and once completed, the canal extended from Albany to Buffalo and traversed 363 miles across our state. It made New York into the Empire State and allowed goods to be transported from seaports in New York City to our country’s interior.

Reps. Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Brian Higgins (NY-26), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined as original cosponsors of this legislation. 

"The creation of the Erie Canal was a revolutionary achievement in our nation’s history and significantly improved and expanded our ability to conduct interstate commerce as well as international trade with Canada and other nations. I’m proud to support Congresswoman Tenney’s efforts to properly honor the Erie Canal’s historic significance and contributions to our state and nation," Congressman Zeldin said.

“Nearly two hundred years ago, construction of the Erie Canal put New York on the map, opened our nation to westward expansion, and helped form America as we know it today,” Congresswoman Stefanik said. “The unique history and impact of the Erie Canal continues to shape the Empire State today. I am proud to honor a time of great innovation and industry in our history and support the preservation of the Canal.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “The Erie Canal played a significant role in U.S. history and continues to be an economic driver for communities all along the waterway today. Western New York is proud to be home to the Erie Canal terminus. This commemorative coin would both celebrate Erie Canalway’s past and invest in its future.” 

“In Western New York, the Erie Canal is part of our heritage and continues to be a major economic driver and tourism magnet. I have proudly supported the Erie Canal and all it has to offer New Yorkers, and I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce this legislation to commemorate the canal’s bicentennial. Much like 200 years ago when the canal brought about a major boom in Western New York’s economy, our region is once again on the verge of a major comeback and a new prosperous era. I look forward to continuing to work with my New York colleagues to support the canal," said Congressman Jacobs.

"The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor thanks Congresswoman Tenney and Congressman Tonko, and their colleagues, for working together on behalf of New York State's legendary canal system. Net proceeds from the sale of Bicentennial coins will help foster vibrant canal communities and preserve this amazing asset for generations to come," said Bob Radliff, Executive Director, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

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