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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that the Maid of the Mist, which has been sailing in the waters of the Lower Niagara River since 1846, is preparing to launch the first two all-electric, zero-emission passenger ships built at the same time. United States. Once launched later this year, catamaran style boats will offer more than 1.6 million guests from around the world an iconic view of Niagara Falls. The position of the ships is wide, allowing a smooth and silent navigation, allowing customers to better enjoy the roar and majesty of Niagara Falls.
"Maid of the Mist tours of the world-famous waterfalls of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River Gorge are an iconic tourist attraction of western New York State", Governor Cuomo says. "The new zero-emission boats will continue this proud tradition, while strengthening our efforts to make the state of New York a top-notch tourist destination that respects the environment."
"The Mist Maid is one of the most iconic parts of the tourist experience here in New York and around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made the announcement today. "For generations, people from all walks of life have been able to closely observe the majesty of Niagara Falls through the historic Maid of the Mist attraction.Today, we will be moving forward in the next century with a new fleet of all-electric ships that will transport visitors while protecting the health of our waterways and our environment. "
"It makes perfect sense for Maid of the Mist to be a world leader in the implementation of this green technology", Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn said. "The new ships will transport our guests to the Niagara Falls base, one of the world's largest sources of clean hydro power."
Designed by Propulsion Data Systems, the new fully integrated vessels are currently under construction by the Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In mid-May, the modules will be transported to Niagara Falls and descended on the Maid of the Mist dry dock and assembly maintenance facilities. Once construction, launch and certification are complete, the new vessels will be commissioned by mid-September.
ABB, a pioneering technology leader in the digital industries, will provide a complete integrated propulsion and propulsion solution for new construction vessels, including lithium-ion battery packs and a shore-based charging system, allowing for long-lasting operation with superior reliability. maximum reliability.
Powered by ABB's zero emissions technology, the two fully electric ships will take tourists to the heart of Niagara Falls without being bothered by engine noise or exhaust gases. The batteries will be recharged for seven minutes after each trip to a capacity of 80%, which will allow maximum efficiency and durability.
The hull of the new ships features an icon representing the symbol of electricity in a drop of water surrounded by a turbine with the Niagara Falls in the background. The color palette is an environmentally friendly green associated with the blue of the water.
Maid of the Mist VI (1990) and Maid of the Mist VII (1997) will be withdrawn from service when new ships enter service.
Interim Commissioner of State Parks New York Erik Kulleseid said: "The Maid of the Mist is a great partner in Niagara Falls National Park, these new vessels provide an exceptional visitor experience while expanding sustainable practices to protect the natural assets that attract visitors to Niagara Falls and the parks. of the state. "
Gil C. Quiniones, President and CEO of the New York Power Authority, said: "New York paves the way for a transition to an electric transportation system The conversion of the Maid of the Mist to a fully electric fleet is a bold initiative that shows the world that we take seriously our commitment to reduce carbon emissions The Niagara Power Project is a long-time partner of Maid the Mist and we are pleased to help it move to electricity and make our environment cleaner and greener on every trip. "
Congressman Brian Higgins said: "For more than 170 years, the" Maid of the Mist "has been taking visitors from all over the world on an intimate and personal journey to the base of the mighty Niagara Falls for a unique experience. The announcement of new electric boats is a natural progression appropriate for this popular destination, known for its innovation in the production of clean hydro. "
Senator Robert Ortt said: "I am delighted to see that two new eco-friendly boats have been purchased for the historic Maid of the Mist and for the millions of visitors who visit the Falls each year.These new electric boats are the latest examples of the latest in the world. Our state's commitment to becoming greener, more aware and contributing to the protection of the beautiful ecosystem surrounding the falls, we owe it to our future generations to do everything in their power to preserve and protect the natural wonders that make our region so special. "
MP Angelo Morinello said: "I am pleased to be present at this historic announcement from the Maid of the Mist Corporation, not only are they introducing two new boats into the Fleet Fleet, but they should be applauded for these two new ones. boats are electric, making them more Niagara Falls is the location of the first hydroelectric plant built by Nikola Tesla, father of the AC, and the city that lit up the world on the first day. The Niagara Association Falls, New York's premier tourist attraction and electric boat, is a landmark event.Thank you Maid of the Mist Corporation for your vision of tourism and the importance of Niagara Falls, New York to the world. "
Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said: "I'm thrilled to join our regional park and Maid of the Mist partners to usher in another exciting season this year with a cleaner, greener fleet, and these environmentally friendly additions to the Maid family will help deliver the same visitor experience to which the Maid is recognized worldwide in a more sustainable way for many years. "
Maid of the Mist was launched in 1846, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in North America. Maid of the Mist ships have been on continuous tours at Niagara Falls for 134 consecutive years, providing visitors from around the world with an iconic experience. James V. Glynn joined Maid of the Mist in 1950 as a ticket vendor and acquired the company in 1971. Under his direction and under the leadership of current President Christopher M. Glynn, Maid of the Mist expanded and now more than 1.6 million guests. every season.
In 2012, Maid of the Mist had to close in the absence of storage space for its boats on the New York side of the river. Governor Cuomo has reached an agreement to keep the boats running and generate increased revenues for the Niagara Falls State Park. Maid of the Mist has agreed to invest $ 32 million on the former site of the Schoellkopf power plant, near the falls, to make it suitable for winter storage and maintenance of its boats. Under the memorandum, the company has agreed to increase its licensing payments to the New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, totaling $ 105 million over 30 years, or three times the revenues. projected for the 30-year period originally approved in 2002.
New Maid of the Mist vessels are supporting a $ 70 million revitalization of Niagara Falls National Park. This initiative renewed the main park observation areas, including the Luna Islands, Prospect Point, Lower Grove, Three Sisters Islands, the North Shore Trail, Luna Bridge and Terrapin Point, with new pedestrian walkways, a improved landscaping, new benches, lighthouses and balustrades. As part of Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 program, the state has made a multi-year commitment to revitalize state parks and includes $ 110 million in the 2019 state budget. -2020 for park improvement projects.
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