N.Y. Public Lands Law § 10: Power to investigate before grant

§ 10. Power to investigate before grant. Before granting any lands or

any interest therein, including lands under water, the commissioner of

general services may summarily inquire into the rights of the person

applying for such grant, on such proof as, by regulation, the

commissioner may prescribe. The commissioner may take testimony and

proofs in any matter or application before him, and the fees of

witnesses and the expense of procuring their attendance shall be paid

from the state treasury out of any funds available therefor by

appropriation, on the audit and warrant of the comptroller, on the

certificate of the commissioner. The commissioner shall establish

reasonable rules to guard against false or fraudulent applications and

for such other purposes as he may deem proper. At any such inquiry or

hearing, the commissioner may be represented by a deputy or other

representative designated by him.