N.Y. Canal Law Section 25
Making and recording of “Blue Line” maps

The commissioner of transportation shall cause the preparation of maps of the Erie, Oswego, Champlain and the Cayuga and Seneca canals as they existed prior to and independent of lands appropriated for barge canal purposes and of all lands belonging to the state adjacent thereto or connected therewith, and there shall be designated on such maps the boundaries of the lands to which the state holds title, and so far as possible the names of the owners of the adjoining lands. Every map when completed shall be approved and certified to as correct by the commissioner of transportation and be certified to as correct by the chief engineer. The original of said map shall be filed in the office of the corporation and copies thereof, duly signed and certified as aforesaid, shall be filed in the office of the department of state. Each of said maps so filed shall be regarded as an original copy. A blue or white print copy of such map or portion of such map or maps as related or applies to any particular county of the state shall be transmitted to and filed in the office of the clerk of such county, or in the office in such county wherein conveyances are required by law to be recorded and such filing shall constitute a notice to all persons of the state’s title to and ownership of said lands. A transcript of such maps certified as correct by the officer with whom such map or maps shall be filed shall be received as presumptive evidence of the state’s title to the canal lands as of the date designated on such maps in all judicial or legal proceedings.

Source: Section 25 — Making and recording of "Blue Line" maps, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/CAL/25 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 1, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 1, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 25. Making & recording of "Blue Line" maps's source at nysenate​.gov

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