The Ribbon Cutting

This morning Gary and I drove down to Brockport to attend the

JW Cook is a friend who worked with myself and Mary Rich as we ran for public office years ago.

He was here representing Governor Kathy Hocul and posted the following....which explains what today was all about.

What an honor it was to be back in my hometown of Brockport today to celebrate the opening of the new pedestrian bridge over the Erie Canal — a project that connects SUNY Brockport to Brockport’s historic downtown and symbolizes the future we’re building together.

On behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul, I’m proud to recognize this $9.5 million investment from the New York Power Authority, NYS Canal Corporation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which enhances accessibility, sustainability, and opportunity right here in the heart of the village.

This morning, the Brockport Central School District’s high school marching band led the community in a joyful first walk across the bridge following the ribbon cutting — a beautiful reminder of the next generation this project serves.

We also cut the ribbon on the newly completed Brockport Boathouse — a collaborative effort from the village and Brockport Community Rowing that gives local students and residents expanded access to the canal for rowing and recreation. This new facility, combined with the pedestrian bridge and kayak dock, is transforming Brockport’s waterfront into a vibrant community hub.

This is more than infrastructure — it’s a community investment. And it’s just one part of a broader commitment to Brockport, including a $4.5 million NY Forward grant helping reimagine our waterfront, support small businesses, and revitalize downtown.

A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Margay Blackman for her years of visionary leadership and service to the Village of Brockport. These transformative investments mark an incredible culmination of her tenure, and her legacy will be felt here for generations to come.

Here’s to 200 years of Erie Canal history — and to the next 100 years of progress.

And don’t forget to check out the Low Bridge High Water Festival this weekend! 

Over two hundred people (and the media) were there to celebrate the occasion.

Mayor Margay Blackman is finishing her term in a few days after 12 years of being on the Village Board and she has worked for many years to help make this happen.

The President of the College was a great partner and helped make this possible.

There were many speeches by those who were very instrumental in making this happen.

When that part was over, the Brockport High School band lead us over the bridge!

After that we walked over to the Boat House for that ribbon cutting.  Rowing has arrived in Brockport!

What a great day for our community!

Today's Farm post is below.