80. Supplying deficiencies of water. Whenever the navigation of any part of the canal system is endangered by reason of a deficiency of water, the corporation shall, without delay, supply such deficiency. For that purpose it shall resume the temporary use of all the surplus water leased, licensed or withdrawn under revocable permit from the part of the canal system where such deficiency exists. If there still be a deficiency of water, it may enter upon and use all lands, streams and waters which, in its judgment, may be necessary or proper to be used to procure a temporary supply of water for such part of the canal system. The corporation may enter into an agreement with the owner or owners of any property used for such temporary purpose under this section covering the amount of damage sustained. Such agreement when approved by the attorney-general shall become an obligation of the corporation and paid from moneys available therefor. In case no agreement is consummated the amount of damages sustained may be determined as provided in section one hundred twenty of this chapter. No damages shall be allowed in any case for resuming the use of any surplus water which has been withdrawn under lease, license or revocable permit.
Last modified: February 3, 2019