N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6, § 591.6 – Guidelines for final project approval.

(a) Upon receipt of a project file, the commissioner shall carefully review the project file for purposes of making a final determination to approve or disapprove a project. In making the final determination the commissioner may take into account, in addition to the natural resource value and the vulnerability of the project, the following:
1. (1) the availability of the project for acquisition by purchase, gift or partial gift;
2. (2) the extent to which the project's location contributes to the geographical balance of the availability of the diversity of natural resource values;
3. (3) the compatibility of the project with State, regional and local environmental plans, policies, goals and objectives;
4. (4) the availability of additional fiscal resources and post-acquisition management and operational support;
5. (5) the fiscal and economic benefits and burdens resulting from the proposed acquisition;
6. (6) the cost in relation to the natural resource value of the proposed project;
7. (7) the social, cultural and educational values, benefits and potential of the proposed project;
8. (8) the extent to which the project encompasses agricultural lands; and
9. (9) such other factors as the commissioner may deem appropriate.
(b) Upon completion of the final review process, the commissioner shall return the project file, noting approval or disapproval, to the appropriate central office program. The central office program shall return disapproved project files to the region or the Division of Marine and Coastal Resources. Approved project files for land acquisition projects shall be forwarded to the Bureau of Real Property.