§ 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.