Final answer:
The Erie Canal's construction was predicted by the governor to connect the Northwestern territories to global markets, leading to economic growth and reinforcing New York's commercial dominance, which was realized when the canal significantly reduced the cost and time of shipping upon its completion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The governor of New York State believed that the construction of the Erie Canal would have a substantial impact on the state by connecting the Northwestern territories with global markets, thus facilitating economic growth.
When the canal opened in 1825, it indeed spanned 363 miles from Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River, effectively opening up a water highway that would decrease the cost of shipping and reduce travel time to the West. Consequently, a significant amount of goods were transported via the canal each year, ensuring the state's commercial dominance and providing significant revenues. Moreover, the completion of the Erie Canal heralded a new era of improved transportation networks, both elevating New York's economic status and promoting further settlement and development in the West.