N.Y. Canal Law § 131

§ 131. Emergency repairs. When, in the opinion of the corporation, an\nemergency exists endangering the canal system the corporation may seize\nany lands, equipment, materials or supplies necessary to avert such\ndamage or to restore the banks or other property which may be threatened\nor have been damaged. It may subsequently return or otherwise dispose of\nsuch lands, equipment, materials or supplies so seized which may be no\nlonger required in such manner and upon such terms as in its judgment\nwill be for the best interest of the state including the corporation. It\nmay enter into an agreement with the owner or owners of any property\nseized for such emergency repairs under this section covering the amount\nof damages sustained. Such agreement, when approved by the\nattorney-general, shall become an obligation of the corporation and paid\nfrom moneys available therefor. In case no agreement is consummated, the\namount of damages sustained may be determined as provided in section one\nhundred twenty of this chapter.\n