N.Y. County Law § 280-C
The agency, as empowered by the governing body, may assemble data relating to (1) problems and solutions in hurricane protection, flood and shoreline erosion control and the areas of immediate need within the county, (2) the techniques and effectiveness of providing dunes, bluffs, bulkheads, dikes, groins, jetties, fills and alternative methods of hurricane protection, flood and shoreline erosion control, (3) the methods of financing hurricane protection, flood and shoreline erosion control and the availability of aid and assistance from alternative sources, (4) the possibility of developing and utilizing existing facilities and a plan of development for the county district which most complements more comprehensive plans of hurricane protection, flood and shoreline erosion control and (5) employ such engineering, legal, professional and other assistance as from time to time may be needed, and may incur such other expenses as may be necessary within the amounts made available therefor by budget appropriations. When authorized by the governing body, the agency may also apply for and expend state and federal aid for comprehensive studies and reports.
N.Y. CountyLaw § 280-C