N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 15-0315: Relations with other governmental bodies and agencies

§ 15-0315. Relations with other governmental bodies and agencies.

1. In order to adequately protect the interests of the state in its

water resources, the department is hereby authorized to:

a. Cooperate with the appropriate agencies of the federal government

or this or other states, or any interstate bureau, group, division or

agency with respect to the use of water from lakes, ponds, rivers and

streams, which are without or wholly or partially contained within this

state, and to endeavor to harmonize any conflicting claims which might

arise therefrom.

b. Appear, represent and act for the state in respect to any

proceeding before either a federal or state governmental body or agency

where the water resources of the state may be affected, and may do and

perform such acts in connection therewith as it deems proper to protect

the interests of the state.

c. Present for the consideration of the Congress or officers of the

federal government, as occasion requires, the just rights of the state

in relation to its waters and institute and prosecute appropriate

actions and proceedings to secure such rights, and defend any action or

proceeding calculated to impair such rights.

2. The department is designated as the agent of the state to obtain

the cooperation, aid and assistance of any appropriate federal agencies

in the performance of the functions of the department or of any regional

planning and development board created under title 11 of this article.

The department may enter into contracts, when required, with any such

federal agencies for such purposes. Wherever it is required by a federal

statute, rule or regulations that such cooperation, aid and assistance

be given on a matching-funds basis, the department, if funds have been

appropriated and are available therefor, is designated as the agent of

the state to enter into contracts on said basis; provided, however, that

payment by the state shall not exceed one-half of the cost, including

personal service, of the services rendered by the federal agencies. All

contracts entered into by the department shall be executed by its

commissioner and in the manner and form prescribed by law.