Commending the Town of Waterford upon the occasion of hosting its 27th Annual Tugboat Roundup from September 11-13, 2026

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John McDonald

New York honors Waterford for hosting the Tugboat Roundup, recognizing its maritime heritage and role in regional waterways and canals.

ADOPTED

Summary of Assembly Resolution No. 1484 (2025-2026) — New York

Purpose and intent

Official recognition by the New York State Legislature of the Town of Waterford for hosting its 27th Annual Tugboat Roundup.

The resolution commends Waterford for celebrating maritime heritage and the historical significance of tugboats in regional waterways and transportation.

It acknowledges Waterford’s regional role as a gateway to the Erie and Champlain Canals and highlights local historical features (Waterford Flight locks, oldest continually incorporated village in the U.S., etc.).

Key provisions and content

Formal recognition: The Legislature “pauses in its deliberations” to commend Waterford for hosting the Tugboat Roundup on September 11-13, 2026.

Event description referenced: Tugboat Roundup is described as a multi-day cultural and maritime festival featuring a tugboat parade, tours, boat rides, talks, competitions, fireworks, vendors, food, and children’s activities.

Background information provided: Includes historical context on tugboats (role in maritime transportation, origins in the 1810s), regional waterways (Hudson River, Mohawk River, Erie Canal, Champlain Canal), and Waterford’s geographic and historic significance (confluence of rivers, Waterford Flight locks, founding dates of Village and Town).

Official action: If adopted, the resolution will be transmitted to the Town of Waterford with a copy engrossed for formal presentation.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: Town of Waterford and its residents, local businesses, and event organizers who host the Tugboat Roundup.

Broader impact: Highlights and promotes New York’s maritime heritage and the Canal System, potentially benefiting tourism and community pride.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and action: Bill introduced and adopted within the same session day (May 28, 2026).

Event dates referenced for recognition: September 11-13, 2026.

Type of measure: Non-binding ceremonial resolution (commending/recognition), commonly used to honor communities and events rather than to enact policy changes.

Notable details

Sponsor: Assembly Member (M. of A.) McDonald; co-sponsor listed as John McDonald.

Transmission: Requires furnishing a suitably engrossed copy to the Town of Waterford.

Overall significance

The resolution is a ceremonial acknowledgment celebrating Waterford’s ongoing celebration of maritime heritage and its role in New York’s canal and river history.

It serves to publicly honor community achievement and cultural connection to the region’s waterways.