As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. "Erie/Barge canal" means the system of canals comprised of the Erie canal, the Champlain canal, the Oswego canal and the Cayuga-Seneca canal as defined in section two of the canal law.

1. 2. "Canal-related tourism activities" means any activity, program or project that is primarily designed and intended to further, encourage or promote tourism or tourism-related recreational or cultural activities which feature the Erie/Barge canal. Such activities may include, but not be limited to, marketing of the canal for tourism purposes; beautification and physical improvement projects to accommodate or attract tourists; tourism-related programs and events such as canal festivals, regattas, boat shows, fishing derbies, and planning for tourism development of the canal; and business development and infrastructure projects which have direct impact on tourism potential of the Erie/Barge canal.
2. 3. "Municipality" means any village, town or city that is adjacent to the Erie/Barge canal.
3. 4. "Department" means the New York state department of economic development.
4. 5. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the New York state department of economic development.
5. 6. "Board" means the Barge canal planning and development board as established in article thirteen-A of the canal law.