The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation $6 million in funding to build a visitors’ center at the U.S. Eisenhower Lock in Massena, N.Y.
Seaway reports that tens of thousands of people visit the lock each year. The new center is expected to be the cornerstone of tourism in the North County region of New York.
The seaway opened in 1959 and celebrated its 60th anniversary this month. It is part of the larger Great Lakes Seaway System that spans more than 2,300 miles.
“As the Seaway marks 60 years of operations, it is important to remember its history, but also to take this opportunity to highlight the investments and innovations in the Seaway System under the leadership of Secretary (Elaine) Chao that keep the waterway well positioned for the future,” U.S. Seaway Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook said.
Nearly 3 billion tons of cargo valued at more than $450 billion has been moved through the seaway since 1959. Last year was the best shipping season in more than a decade.
The seaway supports more than 237,000 jobs in Canada and the United States, generating $35 billion in economic activity annually.
The 60th anniversary of the seaway was marked with a ceremony on Tuesday and was attended by American and Canadian transportation officials and lawmakers.