71 Pa. Stat. § 1261.2
The Secretary of Forests and Waters , with the approval of the Governor, is hereby authorized to acquire, in the name of the Commonwealth, by gift, grant or other lawful means, the right, title and interest of the owners in and to any part of the property formerly constituting the system of any canal or canals located wholly within this Commonwealth whose use as highways for transportation by water has ceased or been abandoned or shall cease or become abandoned, together with any real estate adjacent to such canal or canals formerly used in connection therewith which the Secretary of Forests and Waters may deem desirable: Provided, however, That no consideration shall be paid to the owners of such property for any grants that may be made under the provisions of this act.
71 P.S. § 1261.2