N.Y. High. Law § 240

§ 240. Refusal to repair. If the town board of either of such towns,\nafter notice in writing from the town board of any other of such towns,\ngiven by the town clerk thereof, shall not within twenty days give their\nconsent in writing to build or repair any such bridge, and shall not\nwithin a reasonable time thereafter direct, by resolution, the same to\nbe done, the town board giving such notice may direct the town\nsuperintendent to make or repair such bridge, and then maintain an\naction in the name of the town, against the town which neglects or\nrefuses to join in such making or repairing, and in such action, the\nplaintiffs shall be entitled to recover so much from the defendant, as\nthe town would be liable to contribute to the same, together with costs\nand interest.\n