2006 New York Code - Disposition of canals and canal properties prohibited.

 
                                 ARTICLE XV
 
                                   Canals
    Section  1.  The  legislature  shall  not  sell,  abandon or otherwise
  dispose of  the  now  existing  or  future  improved  barge  canal,  the
  divisions  of  which are the Erie canal, the Oswego canal, the Champlain
  canal, and the Cayuga and Seneca canals, or of the terminals constructed
  as part of the barge  canal  system;  nor  shall  it  sell,  abandon  or
  otherwise  dispose  of any portion of the canal system existing prior to
  the barge canal improvement which portion forms a part of, or  functions
  as  a  part  of,  the  present  barge  canal system; but such canals and
  terminals  shall  remain  the  property  of  the  state  and  under  its
  management  and  control forever. This prohibition shall not prevent the
  legislature, by appropriate  laws,  from  authorizing  the  granting  of
  revocable  permits  or  leases  for periods of time as authorized by the
  legislature for the occupancy or use of such lands or structures.