173

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.