N.Y. Economic Development Law § 173: Legislative findings and objectives

§ 173. Legislative findings and objectives. The legislature hereby

finds and declares that the promotion, stimulation, development and

expansion of tourism and tourism-related recreational and cultural

activities involving the Erie/Barge canal are important to the economic

revitalization and development of counties and communities adjacent to

the canal. The legislature further finds that a greater public awareness

of the canal would encourage its increased use for multiple purposes

thereby maximizing the state's investment in the canal and its operation

and maintenance. The legislature therefore determines that a program of

state assistance to municipalities for the planning, implementation and

promotion of canal-related tourism activities will benefit local

economies by increasing employment and tax revenues and thereby enhance

the well-being of counties and communities adjacent to the canal and of

the people of the state.