§ 2701. Statement of legislative findings and purposes. It is hereby
found, determined and declared that there is an immediate need to
institute a comprehensive, coordinated program of economic development
activities in the three county area comprised of the counties of
Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence which surround the United States Army
base at Fort Drum in order to provide the region with the capability to
effectively plan and develop the infrastructure needs of the region
required by the population increase forecast due to the expansion of the
United States Army facilities at Fort Drum. It is further declared to be
desirable to create a regional development authority of the north county
to provide the region with the capability to effectively and efficiently
communicate with the United States Army to optimize the economic and
social impact on the region of the Army's plans to locate the 10th
Mountain Division at Fort Drum. It is further found and declared that
such needs are a matter of essential state concern and that such
authority is necessary to provide for the health, safety and welfare of
the people of the participating counties and the state. The authority
shall carry out its purposes and responsibilities directly and through
agreements with state and local entities, authorities and the United
States Department of the Army. It is further declared that the authority
shall be created as a public benefit corporation and that the corporate
programs and powers conferred under this title and the expenditures of
public moneys pursuant thereto are in furtherance of a valid public
interest and public purpose.