Study Details Economic Impact of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

WATERFORD, NY – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor generates $307.7 million in economic impact to upstate New York’s economy, according to a newly released analysis of the economic impact of national heritage areas conducted by Tripp Umbach, a nationally recognized consulting firm. Erie Canalway supports 3,240 jobs and generates $34.9 million in tax revenue.

According to Peter Samuel, National Heritage area coordinator for the Northeast Region of the National Park Service: “the National Park Service in collaboration with the Alliance of National Heritage Areas has now completed economic impact studies on a third of the 48 NHAs in the country. There is clear evidence that heritage areas are catalysts for economic development in their communities. The amount of jobs and funds generated is clear evidence that this program has a lasting impact on our country.”

The economic impact study quantifies the economic and employment impacts of national heritage area operations and demonstrates the broader community impact that national heritage areas have within their geographic areas of operation.

The study included data on visitor and tourism expenditures to heritage sites, operational expenditures, and grantmaking and capital expenditures.

“Our economic impact is the result of many partners working together to preserve the best of the past, while ensuring a vibrant future along our canals and waterways,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “The National Heritage Corridor provides a critical link that unites communities and assets and draws international and national attention to New York’s legendary canal corridor.”

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans more than 500 miles along New York’s network of canals, including the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga Seneca. It encompasses more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.

To read the full economic impact report, visit www.eriecanalway.org.

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway.

We achieve our mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
www.eriecanalway.org

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