Before any vision for the future of the canal could be implemented, the current state of the canal had to be addressed. Aging canal infrastructure conditions were worsening due to budget cuts and deferred maintenance. With funding in place for the canal boat, NPS was able to prioritize funding repairs for Locks 3 & 4 in Georgetown to ensure the canal boat would be able to safely navigate the locks. More information was needed about the rest of the canal walls and structures, so Georgetown Heritage funded a comprehensive engineering assessment of the one-mile section. This work allowed NPS to identify top priority projects and prepare funding requests. Georgetown Heritage helped facilitate an emergency temporary repair to a section of canal wall, pictured above. The engineering assessment resulted in NPS successfully securing funding for the Locks and Walls project which aims to address many of the known areas in need of repair. That project is expected to finish in 2026.