N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law Section 17.11
Municipalities

• federal and state aid

1.

Whenever a municipality is applying for federal assistance for park and recreation acquisition and development funds from the federal government, pursuant to the open space acquisition, open space development, urban beautification, neighborhood facilities, navigation, beach erosion control, land and water conservation, outdoor recreation research, or similar programs, and state or local law is not conclusive as to the definition of “local governing body” for such purposes, such authority to make applications shall be vested in that body of the municipality with authority to exercise all residual powers not otherwise allocated.

2.

Whenever a municipality, acting through its local governing body, has agreed to file an application for federal or state funds for a particular program of park or recreation land acquisition or development, urban beautification, historic preservation, neighborhood facilities, navigation, beach erosion control, land and water conservation, outdoor recreation research, or similar programs, then the municipal body or official charged with responsibility for administering such program may, in the absence of law to the contrary, be delegated responsibility for filing the application, and signing grant-in-aid contracts if the application is approved.