§ 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.