Clarifies the purposes for which a revocable permit may be issued

5 Co-sponsors

• Ruben Diaz
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Owen H. Johnson
• Carl Kruger
• Kevin S. Parker

Title of bill

An act to amend the canal law, in relation to clarifying the purposes for which a revocable permit may be issued

Purpose of the bill

This bill would allow the Canal Corporation to issue permits for the temporary use of canal waters for recreational and commercial uses.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill would amend Canal Law § 100 to state that the Canal Corporation may issue revocable permits for the temporary diversion and use of canal waters for recreational and commercial uses in addition to sanitary, farm and industrial use.

Section 2 of this bill would provide for an immediate effective date.

Existing law

Canal Law § 100 provides that the Canal Corporation is authorized to issue revocable permits for the diversion of canal waters for only sanitary, farm purposes or industrial use.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Statement in support

While the Canal Corporation has a Constitutional obligation to maintain a navigable waterway, communities and businesses across the State rely on the water in the Canal for a variety of purposes such as irrigation, filling fire department tankers, siphons for camping facilities, and diversion for slips, basins, canals and marinas. A 2008 study concluded that in 2007 the economic impact of Canal-related tourism was over $378 million. If the Canal Corporation could issue permits for the temporary diversion and use of waters for recreational and commercial purposes, the value of this asset can be more fully realized.

Budget implications

This bill would have no impact upon the State budget, but would encourage economic activity and tourism in communities across the State.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately.