Senator Joseph Robach today announced the passage of legislation in the New York State Senate that will designate part of the expressway in greater Rochester as the "Erie Canal Expressway."
By renaming this portion of the expressway, which tracks the canal’s original route, the State acknowledges the historical role the Erie Canal has played in opening up western New York and, particularly, the Rochester area. Specifically, this bill will designate the portion of state highway route I-490 extending from exit 27 in the town of Perinton to exit 9 in the town of Gates as the "Erie Canal Expressway."
Robach, the prime sponsor of this bill, stated, "I am happy that this legislation has passed the Senate. It emphasizes the importance of the Erie Canal which has put our region on the map, not only in a historical sense, but, also, as a tourist attraction, a business hub and for recreation."
The Erie Canal has played a vital role in the development of Rochester and its surroundings. Today, the canal is an important commercial and tourism link for many of Monroe County's municipalities.
The bill, now pending in the Assembly Committee on Transportation, is sponsored by local Assemblyman David Gantt.
"I urge the Assembly to act swiftly on this bill which promotes the deep history of the greater Rochester area," continued Robach.
