Page "Erie Canal" Paragraph 2

Today, it is part of the New York State Canal System.

In 2000 the United States Congress designated the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to recognize the national significance of the canal system as the most successful and influential human-built waterway and one of the most important works of civil engineering and construction in North America.

Mainly used by recreational watercraft in the recent past, the canal saw an upsurge in commercial traffic in 2008.