The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority. Since 1992, following State legislation transferring the Canal System from the New York State Department of Transportation to the Authority, Canal operating and maintenance activities have been supported by Thruway toll revenue. The Canal Corporation is responsible for the operation, maintenance and promotion of four historic canals that span 524 miles across NYS.

The four canals that make up the NYS Canal System are:

• the Erie Canal
• the Oswego Canal
• the Champlain Canal and
• the Cayuga-Seneca Canal

The NYS Canal System links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.