A volunteer selection panel from the western New York community has selected Steven Cotten of Lockport as the recipient of the 20th annual Key to the Locks Award.
Cotten was chosen because of his extensive volunteer work in the community, including his efforts to promote and preserve Lockport’s share of the Erie Canal. Cotten has served the Lockport Locks Heritage District in many volunteer capacities: as a lock tender demonstrator and team leader; by spending hours maintaining the restored lock gates and Erie Traveler boat; operating the automated visitor counter system at the locks; as the organization’s treasurer; and as an enthusiastic ambassador to thousands of canal visitors each year.
As a member of the Rotary Club of Lockport he spearheaded construction of the new Rotary Pavilion off Market Street near the Adam Street lift bridge. He participates in cleanup of the canal trail, and contributed time and effort in the installation of benches and trash receptacles along the trail.
The Key to the Locks Award program, run by the Niagara History Center, recognizes people in Niagara County who exemplify the community spirit, or promote the heritage or preservation, of the historic Erie Canal.
Mayor John Lombardi III will present the award to Cotten at 10 a.m. May 17 at Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., in conjunction with the annual Lock Tender Tribute at the Flight of Five locks. The ceremony is open to the public.