New Jersey Assembly Bill A2445

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances requiring maintenance and repair of certain wharves, piers, docks and bulkheads.

Impact

The bill mandates that municipalities follow guidelines developed by the Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring that potential harm to the public and surroundings is mitigated. Local governments will have the authority to set conditions for maintenance and repair, which could involve inspections, penalty impositions for non-compliance, and ultimately enforcing regulations to uphold these standards. This decentralization of authority could pave the way for more localized responses to infrastructure issues while also embedding environmental considerations into urban governance.

Summary

A2445 is a bill introduced in New Jersey that authorizes municipalities to enact ordinances for the maintenance and repair of wharves, piers, docks, and bulkheads situated along navigable waterways. This legislative effort underscores the importance of local governance in environmental upkeep and public health safety, allowing municipalities to establish specific standards that comply with overall regulations laid down by the Department of Environmental Protection. The objective is to ensure that infrastructure linked to navigable waterways is appropriately maintained to minimize hazards to public safety and the environment.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding A2445 could arise from the imposition of penalties for non-compliance with local ordinances, which could include fines up to $2,000 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment for repeat offenses. Critics may argue that these penalties could impose too heavy a burden on local owners and could lead to disputes about what constitutes adequate maintenance. The balance between necessary infrastructure repair standards and economic implications for local businesses and property owners is likely to be a topic of debate as the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny.