Local elected leaders and state officials gathered at Canalside to kick-off the annual inspection of New York's canal system Tuesday.
The yearly inspection has been a tradition since the waterway opened back in 1825, but a key focus of the current trip is spurring economic growth.
Before setting out on the first leg of their boat tour from downtown Buffalo, Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton said the inspection is a critical tool in assessing the overall condition and capital needs of the nearly 200-year-old state canal system.
"So we're going to be going along looking for technical things. Certainly, we have a whole technical team that's going to be scoring the operation, and the maintenance of the locks, the lift bridges and other structures."
But Stratton says the inspection also gives them a chance to look at the channel to see where the opportunities are for economic development.
He says they'll be meeting with community leaders along the way.
"Last year the Canal Corporation as part of Governor Cuomo's Regional (Economic Development) Councils, we gave out about $1.5 million in Canalway grants, matching grants, to communities," Stratton said.
It's not only a tradition. The annual inspection is required by law and is set to wrap up on the Champlain Canal October 26.