New York Laws
Article 5-D - County Small Watershed Protection Districts
299-N - County Small Watershed Agency and Processing of Applications.

(b) The water resources commission shall cause a public hearing to be
held on the watershed work plan in accordance with the provisions and
procedures provided by section four hundred fifty-one of the
conservation law in respect to public hearings on water supply
applications. The commission shall with all convenient speed and within
ninety days after the final hearing either approve, disapprove or modify
the watershed work plan. In reaching its decision, it shall be the duty
of the commission to review the watershed work plan and other data and
the evidence taken at the hearing, with due regard being given to the
allocation of the water resources of the state to the various interests
desiring to utilize such resources for the general benefit of the
public. In approving the watershed work plan as submitted, or as
modified by the commission, the commission shall determine that the
watershed work plan includes the necessary works of improvement and that
the proposed works of improvement, will have no adverse effect on the
general and equitable uses of the water resources of the state in areas
which might be affected thereby.
(c) After approval by the commission, the watershed work plan as
submitted or as modified, shall be the final complete watershed work
plan for the project. The watershed work plan shall set forth the
general scope and intent of the project but not necessarily include
maps, plans and specifications in sufficient detail for contracting for
and the construction of the works of improvement.
4. None of the works of improvement included in the final watershed
work plan shall be undertaken or constructed or put into operation until
detailed maps, plans and specifications therefor have been submitted to
the commission for approval. The commission need not hold a public
hearing on such an application but may call upon the watershed district
or its administrative head or body to furnish such further information
or proof as the commission may require. The commission shall determine
whether the detailed maps, plans and specifications provide for the
proper and safe construction of all work connected with the project.
The commission may approve or disapprove the detailed maps, plans and
specifications, or modify them and, as so modified, approve them. When
approved or modified and approved, the detailed maps, plans and
specifications shall be the final construction plan.
5. Modifications. Should it subsequently become necessary or desirable
at any time either before or after the formation of a watershed district
or the construction and completion of a project that the watershed work
plan be modified in a substantial manner in scope or intent as specified
in this subdivision five, or that the final construction plan be
modified in a substantial manner, such modifications must be submitted
to the board of supervisors and, if approved by the board, to the
commission for such further action or approval as it may deem necessary
or advisable before such modifications are put into effect. A change in
scope or intent requiring modification of the watershed work plan and
the action and approval prescribed by this subdivision five shall mean
(1) a change in the multi-purposes and features of the project, or (2) a
change affecting flood water storage which requires approval of
committees of the Congress of the United States under the provisions of
the "Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act".
6. Hearing expenses. The expenses of any hearing and determination
required to be held and made by the commission shall be a charge against
the county or counties and such county or counties shall, upon
certification by the commission, pay such expenses to the persons
entitled thereto.