The New York Power Authority and state Canal Corporation today have christened of the Canal Corp.’s newest addition to its marine fleet, the Thomas X. Grasso tugboat.
It marks the first major enhancement of the Canal Corp.’s maintenance fleet in decades and is named in honor of the late Tom Grasso, longtime president of the Canal Society of New York State, who passed away in 2022. The christening ceremony occurred Monday along the Erie Canal in the Village of Fairport, Monroe County, with Tom’s Grasso family and friends in attendance.
“Tom Grasso’s vision and commitment to the New York State Canal system have left an indelible mark on our waterways,” said New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation Trustee and Syracuse Area Canal Recreationist Bea Gonzalez. “The christening of the Thomas X. Grasso tugboat is a fitting tribute to his life’s work and the enduring impact he made on our community. We are proud to honor his legacy with this new addition to our fleet.”
The Thomas X. Grasso tugboat represents a milestone in the modernization of the Canal Corp.’s operations, enhancing its capacity to support maintenance and operations across the historic 524-mile New York State Canal system.
Tom Grasso’s legacy and dedication to preserving and promoting the Canal system as the President of the Canal Society for more than 40 years will be commemorated through this vessel, ensuring his contributions are remembered for generations to come.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “This tugboat represents not only a significant investment in our marine fleet but also a celebration of Tom Grasso’s passion for the canals. His leadership and dedication have inspired many, and this vessel will continue to support the vital work of the Canal Corporation for years to come. We are honored to name this tugboat after him.”
Added state Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Tom Grasso was a true champion of the New York State Canal system, advocating tirelessly for its preservation and enhancement. The Thomas X. Grasso tugboat will play a crucial role in maintaining the canals, embodying Tom’s spirit and dedication. It is a privilege to celebrate his memory with this christening.”
Carola Grasso, Tom’s widow, said, “Tom dedicated his life to New York State’s canals, especially the enduring ribbon of water that is the Erie Canal, and it is incredibly meaningful to see his contributions recognized in this way. The christening of the Thomas X. Grasso tugboat is a beautiful tribute to his legacy. I am deeply moved by this honor and grateful to the New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation for toasting Tom in such a special way.”
Staffed by Canal Corporation tugboat captains and floating plant personnel, the Thomas X. Grasso tugboat will be stationed on the Erie Canal in Waterford, Saratoga County. The new steel inland tug at 64.5-feet long will support operations required to maintain navigation along the canal system. Some of this work includes buoy placement and retrieval, movement of spoils in hopper scows, transporting of dredge pipe, and mobilizing hydraulic and mechanical dredge units. In addition, the new tug has ice breaking capabilities built in with thicker steel and tighter spaced framing in the bow.
The Thomas X. Grasso tugboat was built by Blount Builders Inc. of Warren, Rhode Island. Three additional tugs now in production at Blount’s facility are scheduled to be delivered in 2026 and 2027. These new tugs will be placed into service alongside the Tug Syracuse, a 1934 tugboat built by the State of New York that has been the workhorse of the Canal Corporation’s maintenance fleet since its launch.
In addition to the tugboat christening, Tom Grasso’s family and friends unveiled a new monument and pocket park named in his honor along the Erie Canal in Fairport.
The new park features a structure built with stones from an earlier generation of the Erie Canal as well as new landscaping and benches.