§ 53. Sale of abandoned lands for railroad bridges. Whenever any canal
lands, as defined in article one of this chapter, are required in
connection with any railroad bridge which has been or which is to be
constructed, reconstructed or raised by or for a railroad corporation
over that portion of the barge canal, which has been or which will be
improved by the use of moneys allotted or to be allotted to the state by
the federal government in accordance with chapter six hundred
eighty-eight of the laws of nineteen hundred thirty-four, the
corporation may issue an official order abandoning the lands for canal
purposes. Upon a written request by the railroad corporation, and
notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, the
corporation is authorized to grant and convey such land to said railroad
corporation for and on behalf of the people of the state of New York for
the purposes mentioned and for a nominal or other consideration and upon
such terms and conditions which he shall deem to be beneficial to the
state. Such instrument of grant and conveyance shall become effective
when it is recorded in the office of the secretary of state. Any moneys
realized from the sale of such land shall be deposited into the canal
fund.