City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011) — James Farr, the City’s Assistant Director of Recreation, has been nominated for appointment to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, a federal commission that works with communities along the Erie Canal to celebrate and promote the Canal’s heritage.
Farr, who oversees the City’s environmental and horticultural education programs and parks stewardship, including the Rochester Public Market, was nominated by Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Perinton. “The Erie Canal was one of the most significant factors in the building of Upstate New York and its heritage should be celebrated,” said Congresswoman Slaughter. “I know that Jim shares this vision which is why I am so pleased to strongly recommend him for this position.”
“Jim Farr truly embodies the spirit of this region,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “As a 34-year employee of the City, Jim has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote our natural treasures, our city parks and our river and canal resources.”
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission is a 27-member, community–based federal commission appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior that works with 234 communities along the Erie Canal route. They plan and direct activities that preserve and celebrate the historical, natural, scenic and recreational resources of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
“The Erie Canal was the catalyst which spurred the rapid settlement and development of Western New York in the 1800’s, and over 150 years, later it remains an important economic and recreational resource thanks in large part to the efforts of the Erie Canalway Corridor National Heritage Commission,” said Farr. “I’m honored and excited to be nominated.”
Farr’s appointment to a three-year term is subject to approval by the National Park Service’s Office of Policy and the White House Appointments Office, Slaughter said Friday.
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News Media: For further information, contact Jim Farr, Assistant Director of Recreation at 428-6866 or 303-5934.