New Jersey Senate Bill S3401

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/19/22
• Refer: 12/19/22

Caption

Establishes fund for DEP for Blue Acres acquisition and relocation projects; appropriates $25 million.

Impact

The implementation of S3401 will enable faster acquisition processes for flood-prone properties, enhancing the Blue Acres program operations that have been in place since 1995. This initiative is especially pertinent in areas frequently impacted by flooding as it helps facilitate relocation for affected residents. The bill contains provisions allowing the fund's resources to cover administrative costs, ensuring efficient management of funds that are strictly earmarked for specified aid without significantly diverting resources for administration.

Summary

Senate Bill S3401 establishes the Blue Acres Buyout Fund within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide financial assistance for acquisition and relocation projects involving properties deemed flood-prone. The bill appropriates $25 million from the General Fund to this nonlapsing, revolving fund. The fund is intended to support homeowners and tenants who are displaced by acquisitions as part of the Blue Acres program, which aims to reduce public safety risks associated with flooding by acquiring and converting these lands into open spaces or parks.

Contention

The bill has been noted to address important public safety and environmental concerns, but its reliance on appropriated funds raises questions about budget allocations and future financial sustainability. While proponents of the bill emphasize its necessity in protecting vulnerable communities, critics may question whether the $25 million is adequate to meet the long-term needs of the program or if this reliance on state funds could lead to limitations in other environmental or social programs. Overall, the discussions surrounding S3401 highlight a balancing act between fiscal responsibility and the imperative to safeguard residences from natural disasters.