New Jersey Assembly Bill A4092

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/26/22
• Refer: 5/26/22
• Refer: 6/9/22
• Report Pass: 6/22/23

Caption

Allows certain airports to carry over certain grant money into future years.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend existing regulations related to airport funding and management. It will provide increased flexibility for airports in managing their finances and project timelines, potentially leading to improved airport safety and infrastructure enhancements as funds can be allocated more effectively over extended periods. This could result in better planning and execution of airport improvement projects, benefiting both local economies and air traffic safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4092 is designed to allow certain airports in New Jersey to carry over grant money awarded through the 'Airport Safety Fund' or the Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program into future fiscal years. This measure is specifically applicable to grants awarded after January 1, 2019. The bill enables airports to avoid having their grant funds rescinded by the Department of Transportation if they meet specific criteria related to municipal or county approvals and the authorized use of the funds under the relevant grant agreements.

Sentiment

General sentiments surrounding A4092 appear to be supportive, especially among airport authorities and local governments who view it as a positive step toward addressing funding limitations that can hinder airport operations and improvements. The bill supports the ability of airports to effectively utilize funds without time constraints, which is seen as a reasonable adjustment to existing airport funding protocols.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from how the bill is implemented by the Department of Transportation, particularly around the discretion granted to the Commissioner regarding carryover rules and the transparency of how grant funds are allocated and monitored. Some stakeholders may question whether the regulations set forth can effectively prevent misuse of funds or encourage accountability among airport management.