Lock 1 Uncovered: Albany’s Canal Dream | Albany News

After 30 years of relentless advocacy, artist Len Tantillo’s dream of reviving Albany’s historic Erie Canal got a major boost when Lock 1 — buried for decades under highway construction — was unearthed. This isn’t just old stone; it’s the birthplace of America’s waterway system. Now, with local officials praising their persistence and envisioning a restored canal, marina, and tourist hub where a warehouse and highway now stand, the project feels more real than ever. Though funding and bureaucracy remain hurdles, this discovery proves the vision is no longer a pipe dream — it’s a tangible step toward reclaiming Albany’s waterborne roots and reimagining its future as a thriving canal town. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/15b78d103827498e