N.Y. COM Law § 173

§ 173. Legislative findings and objectives. The legislature hereby\nfinds and declares that the promotion, stimulation, development and\nexpansion of tourism and tourism-related recreational and cultural\nactivities involving the Erie/Barge canal are important to the economic\nrevitalization and development of counties and communities adjacent to\nthe canal. The legislature further finds that a greater public awareness\nof the canal would encourage its increased use for multiple purposes\nthereby maximizing the state's investment in the canal and its operation\nand maintenance. The legislature therefore determines that a program of\nstate assistance to municipalities for the planning, implementation and\npromotion of canal-related tourism activities will benefit local\neconomies by increasing employment and tax revenues and thereby enhance\nthe well-being of counties and communities adjacent to the canal and of\nthe people of the state.\n