N.Y. Canal Law § 131
When, in the opinion of the corporation, an emergency exists endangering the canal system the corporation may seize any lands, equipment, materials or supplies necessary to avert such damage or to restore the banks or other property which may be threatened or have been damaged. It may subsequently return or otherwise dispose of such lands, equipment, materials or supplies so seized which may be no longer required in such manner and upon such terms as in its judgment will be for the best interest of the state including the corporation. It may enter into an agreement with the owner or owners of any property seized for such emergency repairs under this section covering the amount of damages sustained. Such agreement, when approved by the attorney-general, shall become an obligation of the corporation and paid from moneys available therefor. In case no agreement is consummated, the amount of damages sustained may be determined as provided in section one hundred twenty of this chapter.
N.Y. Canal Law § 131