CRMC Participates in NYS Canals Lock Inspection Tour
Friday, October 21, 2011
Board President Chet Watson and Interim Executive Director Deborah Sturm Rausch were invited to participate in the NYS Canal Corporation’s October 21st Canal Inspection in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and the subsequent flooding. NYS Canal Director Brian U. Stratton met with Canal workers, local officials and stakeholders (including CRMC leaders). He traveled by tugboat from Lock 8 to Lock 7. Locks 7 and 8 were declared in good working order, but there is still much cleanup to do on the Canal (Mohawk River) and trees are still stuck in the dams, portions of which are in need of repair.
Tugboat Grand Erie
Chet Watson and Deborah Sturm Rausch aboard the Tugboat Grand Erie
The Tugboat Captain stays the course as Chet Watson and Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton look on
Chet Watson briefs NYS Thruway Acting Executive Director Tom Madison on the Maritime Center
One of the large trees that are still stuck in the dam at Lock 7
Maritime Center Building Survives Rushing Mohawk Waters
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Capital Region Maritime Center building was left unscathed by the rushing waters of the Mohawk in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, but its grounds and the floating docks that service the Burnt Hills and Shen Crew programs were not as lucky as shown in these photos.
Center Building Safe and Sound 
The Capital Region Maritime Center’s majestic beauty stands in stark contract to the devastation and damage done by the swollen Mohawk River. The Center building sits high on the hill, and well above the flood plain. Situated above the water but with access to it, the facility offers beautiful views from a safe distance.
Center Provides Safe Haven for Boats
Given the Center’s position on the hill and out of harm’s way, we were able to assist many fortunate boat owners who store their craft at the Mohawk Valley Marine. Marina proprietor Bob Esperti pulled their boats out of the water in advance of the flooding and contacted the Maritime Center. These boat owners will find their pleasure craft safe and sound sheltered from the storm by the Capital Region Maritime Center. 
Capital Region Maritime Center Preps for Hurricane Irene
Saturday, August 27, 2011
With Hurricane Irene still on track to pound the Capital Region, marinas and crew clubs along the Mohawk River were busy pulling boats from the water, and the Capital Region Maritime Center (CRMC) stepped up to the plate to help by housing the overflow on its campus.
Chet Watson, CRMC Board President said, “We’re part of the community, and we all have to pull together to weather storms like these. It’s what the Maritime Center is all about, and there’s no better time to demonstrate our commitment to the Mohawk River and those who boat on it than by helping to provide shelter for these boats during a time of emergency. The safety of all who depend on the river for their livelihood and their living is important to us.”
Mohawk Valley Marine proprietor Bob Esperti said, “It’s hard to believe that some people will take a chance with their boats and leave them in the water. We’ve seen what happens on this river when it rises, and with the storm predictions we’ve been hearing, and the State of Emergency declared, we’re taking every possible step to protect the boats stored here. We’re grateful to the Capital Region Maritime Center for taking the boats and other items we don’t have room for here.”
- Capital Region Maritime Center sits behind Shenendahowa and Burnt Hills boats pulled from the Mohawk River.
Deborah Sturm Rausch, Interim Executive Director of the CRMC said, “Both Burnt Hills and Shenendahowa Rowing Clubs are housed at the Center, and we wanted to make sure that their boats were safely on land and stowed for the storm. We’re happy to say that both Clubs have now pulled their boats from the water, and that we’ve battened down the hatches. We’re grateful to Mohawk Valley Marine for their help in storm prep. The Governor and local elected leaders have asked everyone to prepare and take steps to assure safety, and we took their words of caution seriously.”
Hurricane Irene remains a very serious weather event, and according to the National Weather Service is expected to bring high winds, heavy rains and flooding from storm surge to the Capital Region especially along the Mohawk River beginning on Saturday evening. The first effects of Hurricane Irene are already impacting the region.
Shen Crew Head Coach Drew Kroft works on a shell pulled from the Mohawk River to ride out the storm on the CRMC campus.
On Saturday afternoon the National Weather Service located in Albany, New York was reporting that a tropical storm warning remains in effect. Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to begin Sunday morning. Winds are forecast to be in the 45 to 65 mph range, with higher gusts. A flood watch is in effect for the entire area. Moderate to major flooding of main stem rivers and many smaller streams is expected.
POSTED: Saturday, August 27, 2011 @ 5:00 p.m.