Prohibits DEP from demolishing or requiring removal of certain cabins or similar structures located in certain tidal wetlands.
By preventing the DEP from taking action against these cabins, A3372 significantly alters the state's approach towards land regulation concerning tidal wetlands. This measure not only acknowledges the historical value of these structures but also addresses concerns from local residents who rely on the cabins. It modifies existing laws regarding state liability, asserting that the state will not be liable for damages or injuries occurring in these cabins, thus providing a robust protection mechanism for the continued use of these structures by the public.
Assembly Bill A3372 aims to prohibit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from demolishing or requiring the removal of certain cabins or similar structures located within tidal wetlands in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County. This legislation is particularly designed to protect specific structures that serve as general use way stations for individuals needing shelter in those areas. The bill's provisions emphasize the importance of these cabins, which hold local historic significance and have been in existence for decades.
The bill is a direct response to prior actions taken by the DEP that sought to order the removal of eight cabins deemed to be in violation of state oversight. Opponents might argue that such regulation is essential for environmental protection and management of tidal wetlands. However, the bill's supporters contend that the cabins play a vital role in the local ecosystem and community, deserving of legal protection against removal efforts. Notably, the bill includes specific exemptions, implying a careful consideration for structures that were previously determined to be unlawfully constructed or built on state-acquired land.