The bill would direct the Treasury Secretary to issue commemorative coins for the Erie Canal’s bicentennial. The coins would feature designs related to the canal and its impact, and could be issued during 2026. The bill sets limits on the number of gold, silver, and half-dollar coins.
People could buy the coins from the Treasury. They would be legal tender, and sales would include a surcharge. After the Treasury recovers the costs of designing and issuing the coins, surcharge funds would go to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc. for canal-related preservation, recreation, education, tourism, and community programs.
The sale price would include each coin’s face value, its surcharge, and the costs of designing and issuing it. The bill requires the Treasury to ensure the program does not create a net cost to the United States and to recover its costs before funds are distributed.
The bill’s findings describe the Erie Canal’s role in transportation, commerce, settlement, and social movements, and its continuing importance to nearby communities.
No publicly available information.