In addition to the powers vested in the department by this article 15, and in order to stimulate and encourage local participation and assistance, comprehensive planning for the protection, control, conservation, development and beneficial utilization of the water resources of the state may be undertaken as provided in title 11 of this article. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to repeal, amend or modify the powers and duties of the department as now or hereafter provided by this article 15 or by any other statute or to repeal the procedures authorized thereby.
New York Legal Code