NYPA Press Release

New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation Announce Christening of the Thomas X. Grasso Tugboat

Named in Honor of Beloved Canal Icon and Placed into Service during the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial Season, the Tugboat Ushers in a New Generation of Maintenance Vessels that will keep the Iconic Waterway Safe and Operable

Three Additional Tugboats Being Manufactured with Delivery Set for 2026 and 2027 

New Monument and Pocket Park Along the Erie Canal in Fairport Also Dedicated to Thomas X. Grasso Today 

Photo of Thomas X. Grasso Tugboat AvailableHere

Video of Today’s Christening Ceremony and Monument Unveiling AvailableHere

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Canal Corporation today announced the christening of the Canal Corporation's newest addition to its marine fleet, the Thomas X. Grasso tugboat. This significant investment marks the first major enhancement of the Canal Corporation'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 today 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 Corporation'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."

New York State Canal Corporation 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."

Mrs. 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 today, 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. 

Canal Recreationway Commissioner and longtime friend of Tom Grasso’s Kal Wysokowski said, “When giving a lecture Tom Grasso would often begin by saying the Erie Canal was a big deal, and he was right. Now, we can say that knowing Tom and naming the TXG tug in his honor is a big deal. And we are right.”

Canal Society of New York State President Tammee Poinan Grimes said, “Members of the Canal Society of New York State are grateful for the well-deserved recognition of Thomas X. Grasso, our President from 1975-2016. His remarkable contributions to the New York State Canals are still appreciated today.”

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Executive Director Bob Radliff said, “Tom always built from the Erie Canal's extraordinary heritage but was not afraid to think boldly about the future in pursuit of a vibrant canal today. This new investment by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation represents the best way to preserve inland waterway heritage with the advantages of a vessel that will carry New York's canals into the next century of operation and relevance. Tom once said: ‘the canal is the fastest way to slow down.’ Let us all be reminded to slow down and appreciate this unique asset and Tom's legacy by preserving and cherishing it.” 

Town of Perinton Supervisor Ciaran Hanna said, “The future of our Erie Canal would certainly not be as bright were it not for Tom Grasso.  His passion for this waterway was unmatched.  It is only fitting that this vessel carries his name.  Like Tom, it will navigate these waters with strength and purpose.” 

Village of Fairport Mayor Julie Domaratz said, “The Village of Fairport is pleased to be the location for this monument honoring Thomas X. Grasso and his legacy of service and preservation of the Erie Canal.” 

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About the New York State Canal Corporation

New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga – Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique communities.

The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority.

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