In administering the provisions of this article the respective
commissioner or the secretary of state:
1. shall make an itemized estimate of funds or appropriations
requested annually for inclusion in the executive budget;
2. shall, in the name of the state, as further provided within this
article, contract to make, within the limitations of appropriations
available therefor, state assistance payments toward the cost of a
project approved, and to be undertaken pursuant to this article;
3. shall approve vouchers for the payments pursuant to an approved
contract; and
4. may perform such other and further acts as may be necessary, proper
or desirable to carry out the provisions of this article.
5. Shall give a priority and preference to a project in any brownfield
opportunity area designated pursuant to section nine hundred seventy-r
of the general municipal law.