(a) Any county, city, town or village; or any department, bureau, commission, board, division, agency, public benefit corporation, or committee designated by the governing body of such municipality is eligible to apply for a State grant to finance the cost of a comprehensive study and report as defined in section 1263-a of article 12 of the Public Health Law, and these rules and regulations for collection, treatment and disposal of sewage.

(b) Any two or more counties, cities, towns or villages or any combination of two or more such municipalities or any departments, bureaus, commissions, boards, divisions, agencies, public benefit corporations, or committees designated by the governing bodies of each such municipality desiring to participate in a joint comprehensive study and report, as defined in section 1263-a of article 12 of the Public Health Law, and these rules and regulations for the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage may apply for a State grant for such purpose.