2701 - Statement of legislative findings and purposes.

§  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.