Progress was better than expected, here's the latest Official Word from Canal Corp: Mariners are advised that the Erie Canal from Lock E-11 in Amsterdam to Lock E-15 in Fort Plain will reopen to navigation at 8:00 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. At that time, the entire New York State Canal System will be open to navigation. Mariners are advised that controlling available depth in this section may be as little as 7.5' at the time of reopening. Dredging operations continue at several sites between Lock E-12 in Tribes Hill and Lock E-20 in Marcy where shoaling occurred during heavy runoff due to recent rainfall. This section may not be open to deeper draft commercial traffic requiring more than 7.5' of depth until Sunday, July 21, 2013. Until further notice, passage through Guard Gate #3 at Indian Castle must be through the north span. Mariners are cautioned that increased debris may be encountered in sections of the Canal which have recently reopened, and some buoys may be off station. Mariners are encouraged to navigate with caution, and to report any off-station or missing navigational aids to the Canal Traffic Agent at (518) 461-0942. For updates and information, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov Fred Tug 44