N.Y. Gen. Constr. Law § 37-b

§ 37-b. Population. 1. The term population when used in relation to\nthis state, or a municipality or other subdivision thereof, or a portion\nof such a municipality or subdivision, shall, unless otherwise provided\nin relation to such use, mean population as shown by the latest federal\ncensus published as a final population count by the United States bureau\nof the census.\n 2. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the term population when\nused in relation to payments of aid or assistance by the state to a\nmunicipality or other subdivision thereof shall mean population as shown\nby the latest federal census of such municipality or subdivision\npublished as a final population count by the United States bureau of the\ncensus prior to the commencement of the state fiscal year during which\nsuch aid or assistance is payable.\n