New York Laws
Title 3 - Powers and Duties
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.