ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Gov. Andrew Cuomo isn't ducking the issue of allowing popular fundraising duck races on the state-owned Erie Canal.
The New York Democrat announced Tuesday that a race scheduled in Tonawanda, along the western end of the waterway, will be held as planned later this month.
Cuomo also announced that the state Gaming Commission has been directed to expedite approvals for any charitable organizations holding races on the canal, effective immediately.
Organizers of the events in which numbered plastic ducks are dumped into the water had been told by the commission that their duck derbies violated state regulations because they take place on state-owned property.
According to the Democrat&Chronicle, organizers of the Brockport Arts Festivalare mulling over whether there’s time to change course and still hold the duck derby this year.
The commission regulates games of chance, including raffles such as duck derby races. Commission officials say they're reaching out to various organizations who operate charitable raffles on the canal.
