Assembly Resolution No. 714

BY: M. of A. Lunsford

COMMEMORATING the Bicentennial Anniversary of the
Opening of the Erie Canal in the Village of Fairport
on May 20, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
events of historical significance which have had a profound effect on
the development of our great Empire State and our Nation as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Opening of the Erie
Canal in the Village of Fairport; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be observed with an event
recognizing the opening of the Erie Canal Waterways after the winter
break and a village-wide celebration on Friday, May 20, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal traverses east-west through upstate New
York, as part of the cross-state route of the New York State Canal
System; it was built to create a navigable water route from the Atlantic
Ocean to the Great Lakes Basin, originally stretching for 363 miles from
the Hudson River at Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was the second-longest
canal in the world and greatly enhanced the development and economy of
many major cities of New York; and

WHEREAS, Located in the town of Perinton, which is part of Monroe
County, New York, the Village of Fairport was originally known as
Perrinsville; after the canal was opened, it was known as a "fair port"
for an overnight stay, henceforth, the new name; and

WHEREAS, With the construction of the railroad in 1853, the Village
once again experienced a boon in industry and became a true
transportation center in Western New York; Fairport was officially
incorporated as a village on April 30, 1867; and

WHEREAS, With the advent of the automobile in the early 20th
Century, the Village began to expand away from the water, and today, the
Erie Canal is mainly used for recreation; and

WHEREAS, Today, canoes, kayaks and tour boats can often be found on
the beloved waterway among a few remaining shipping barges, and
residents and visitors enjoying walking or running along the towpath
which follows the Erie Canal for 340 miles; and

WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Village of Fairport continues
to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, The residents of the Village of Fairport have a bright
outlook for the future of their community, which remains a beautiful
place in which to live and raise a family; and


WHEREAS, In recognition of the Village of Fairport's rich history
and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative
Body is proud to pay tribute to this spirited village and the Erie Canal
upon the occasion of its Bicentennial Anniversary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Opening of the Erie
Canal in the Village of Fairport on May 20, 2022; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mayor Julie Domaratz, Village of Fairport.