Section 53. Sale of abandoned lands for railroad bridges

Whenever any canal
  lands,  as  defined  in  article  one  of  this chapter, are required in
  connection with any railroad bridge which has been or  which  is  to  be
  constructed,  reconstructed  or  raised by or for a railroad corporation
  over that portion of the barge canal, which has been or  which  will  be
  improved by the use of moneys allotted or to be allotted to the state by
  the   federal   government   in  accordance  with  chapter  six  hundred
  eighty-eight  of  the  laws  of  nineteen   hundred   thirty-four,   the
  corporation  may  issue an official order abandoning the lands for canal
  purposes. Upon a  written  request  by  the  railroad  corporation,  and
  notwithstanding  the  provisions  of  any  general  or  special law, the
  corporation is authorized to grant and convey such land to said railroad
  corporation for and on behalf of the people of the state of New York for
  the purposes mentioned and for a nominal or other consideration and upon
  such terms and conditions which he shall deem to be  beneficial  to  the
  state.  Such  instrument  of grant and conveyance shall become effective
  when it is recorded in the office of the secretary of state. Any  moneys
  realized  from  the  sale of such land shall be deposited into the canal
  fund.