Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of inactive revocable permits for the temporary use of canal lands and waters filed with the Waterways Maintenance Division of the Dept. of Transportation and its predecessor agencies. Files usually include permit applications, related correspondence between the Dept. of Transportation and the entity or individual applying for the permit, maps, surveys, and drawings or sketches of relevant structures. Sections 55 through 57 (and earlier versions) of the Canal Law authorize the Canal Corporation (or, in earlier versions, its predecessor agencies) to enter into leases for canal lands, canal terminals and canal terminal lands. Such leases are enacted through permits. As reflected in the material in this series, permits can provide momentary usage (i.e., if a contractor requires egress over canal lands for one month) as well long-term arrangements.

Uses approved by permits include agriculture, beautification, boating docks, marinas, pipelines, railroads, spoil, recreation (camps), transmission lines, and water supplies. Permits typically become inactive as uses are outmoded or another permit is issued. Through 1980 permits were given a tripartite number consisting of the year of issuance, month, and consecutive permit number. From 1980 through 1988 permit numbers include year, month, and two consecutive numbers of issue.

Late 20th century permits were filed with their applicable Dept. of Transportation region; copies of these permits were sent to the main Waterways Maintenance Division office in Albany. Occasional gaps exist in the permits where the Albany office did not receive material or a permit was active. Permits became inactive as authorized uses were outmoded or new permits were issued. Permits are summarized in the Annual Reports of the Dept. of Transportation and its predecessor agencies.