New York Consolidated Laws, General Municipal Law - GMU § 239-g. Planning associations or federations

1. Establishment.  In any county or counties, the municipalities may form a federation or association to promote community or inter-community planning within or by such municipalities, to provide for the collection and distribution of information on planning, subdivision and zoning matters and kindred subjects and to cooperate with appropriate state and county authorities in matters affecting the county comprehensive plan and county official map.

2. Appropriation, expenses.  A municipal legislative body or a county legislative body, is hereby authorized to include annually in the budget and raise by taxation in such municipality or county a sum to meet the actual and necessary expenses of establishing, maintaining and continuing such association or federation.  Such expenses may include activities in this state for the purpose of devising practical ways and means for obtaining greater economy and efficiency in the design, layout and development of a municipality or county;  for promoting the public health, safety and general welfare by means of local and inter-community planning, subdivision and zoning activities;  or for establishing and maintaining information services for the benefit of its members.