New York Consolidated Laws, Navigation Law - NAV § 30. Navigation, jurisdiction over

The commissioner shall have jurisdiction over navigation on the navigable waters of the state and, except as otherwise provided, shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and the regulations established thereunder.  As a guide to the interpretation and application of this article, nothing authorized hereunder shall be construed to convey any property rights, either in real estate or material, or any exclusive privilege;  nor authorize any injury to private property or invasion of private rights or any infringement of federal, state or local laws or regulations, but shall express the assent of the state so far as it concerns the public rights of navigation.  Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit, impair or affect the general powers and duties of the canal corporation relating to canals as set forth in section ten of the canal law.