The Schoharie Crossing Historic Site in Montgomery County will receive a $600,000 state Environmental Protection Fund grant and a $50,000 Canalway Grant to be used for stabilization work to preserve and revitalize the structure for potential future use, according to county officials.
Here’s more information from the county’s press release:
FONDA – A local engineering marvel, constructed over 175 years ago, the Schoharie Crossing Aqueduct, will soon see major investments from the State of New York and Montgomery County to help preserve this National Historic Landmark for generations to come.
Located near the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, the recently completed Empire State Trail Bike Path and other Montgomery County tourist destinations, the Schoharie Crossing Historic Site is a popular destination for kayakers, bikers and other recreational tourists. Unfortunately, the historic structure has borne the ravages of time and weather, requiring significant structural preservation work. Now, thanks to a $600,000 Environmental Protection Fund grant from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and a $50,000 Canalway Grant from the New York State Canal Corporation, the site will undergo stabilization work to preserve and revitalize the structure for potential future use.
“Schoharie Crossing Historic Site is a local treasure and these resources will ensure it doesn’t become a part of our past, but remains a towering symbol of the deep connection between the Mohawk River and our communities. Preserving this site is just another way we are enhancing the quality of life for residents, tourists and newcomers. The project also compliments recent investments we’ve made to complete the Empire State Trail and our overall efforts to showcase Montgomery’s many cultural, historic and economic opportunities,” said Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort.
The 634-foot-long aqueduct, completed in 1842, consisting of 13 piers and 14 arches was originally constructed as part of the original Erie Canal system to support a tow path and timber trunk. After being decommissioned, the structure fell into disrepair and suffered a series of collapses beginning in the 1940’s. Efforts were finally undertaken to stabilize the arches using steel tendons in 1977. Those efforts were compromised in 1998 and resulted in additional collapses.
In 2018, the Aqueduct was named by the Preservation League of New York State as one its “Seven to Save” sites.