2006 New York Code - Power To Investigate Before Grant.

 
    § 10. Power to investigate before grant.  Before granting any lands or
  any  interest  therein, including lands under water, the commissioner of
  general services may summarily inquire into the  rights  of  the  person
  applying   for  such  grant,  on  such  proof  as,  by  regulation,  the
  commissioner may prescribe.   The commissioner may  take  testimony  and
  proofs  in  any  matter  or  application  before  him,  and  the fees of
  witnesses and the expense of procuring their attendance  shall  be  paid
  from  the  state  treasury  out  of  any  funds  available  therefor  by
  appropriation, on the audit and  warrant  of  the  comptroller,  on  the
  certificate  of  the  commissioner.    The  commissioner shall establish
  reasonable rules to guard against false or fraudulent  applications  and
  for  such  other purposes as he may deem proper.  At any such inquiry or
  hearing, the commissioner may  be  represented  by  a  deputy  or  other
  representative designated by him.