The comparison of the reaction to START-UP NY with the one that met the building of the Erie Canal ("Praise inevitable for START-UP," July 5) shows a surprising lack of understanding of the history of our great state.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the building of the Erie Canal was America's greatest engineering feat of its day: "In 1817 when construction started, excavating and earthmoving machines had not yet been invented. The only construction equipment available was the pick, level, spade, wheelbarrow and wagon. With the exception of a few uses of black powder to blast through rock formations, all 363 miles were built by men and horses alone."
Little wonder that many believed it couldn't be done.
Critics of START-UP NY have a more apt comparison in the history of previous tax-free zone programs such as the Empire Zone or other economic development zones, none of which have lived up to their promise to return economic prosperity to upstate communities.
Cynthia A. Fox
Glenmont