NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A2285

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2285

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of A2285 is expected to impact state laws concerning environmental management and disaster response. The bill allows the DEP to administer the funds judiciously, ensuring that no more than five percent of the allocated funds are used for administrative costs, which aligns the focus towards relocation efforts. By creating this fund, the state reinforces its commitment to addressing environmental challenges while supporting affected families during transitions caused by flood-related policies.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2285 establishes the Blue Acres Buyout Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), designed to facilitate the acquisition of properties in flood-prone areas as part of the Blue Acres program. By allocating $25 million from the General Fund, the bill aims to provide funding for relocation assistance to homeowners and tenants displaced due to these acquisitions. This act signifies a proactive approach to manage flood risks and enhance community resilience against environmental hazards.

Contention

While the bill essentially advocates for environmental response measures, there may be points of contention regarding its financial implications. Some stakeholders might argue that the $25 million appropriation could divert funds from other essential programs within the DEP or local governments. Additionally, the broad authority given to the DEP for fund administration might raise concerns about the prioritization of projects and the overall transparency in how relocation assistance is distributed. Discussions could arise over ensuring that the implementation of this program adequately considers the needs of diverse communities affected by flooding.

Companion Bills

NJ S1624

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

NJ A4869

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

NJ S3401

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

Previously Filed As

NJ A4869

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

NJ S3401

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

NJ S1624

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

NJ A5121

Appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

NJ S4165

Appropriates $48 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

NJ A5806

Appropriates $48 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

NJ S3943

Appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

NJ A4959

Appropriates $53,249,310 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

NJ S3362

Appropriates $53,249,310 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

NJ S2298

Provides FY 2024 supplemental appropriations to, and establishes "Drinking Water Emergency Response Fund" in, DEP; appropriates $6.85 million to fund and various divisions of DEP.

Similar Bills

NJ S3401

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

NJ A4869

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

NJ S1624

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

TX SB1300

Relating to environmental or health and safety audits under the Texas Environmental, Health, and Safety Audit Privilege Act.

NJ A5655

Appropriates $87,783,515 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects, and for certain administrative expenses.

CA SB561

Public contracts: environmentally preferable purchasing.

NJ A4572

Appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects; and for certain administrative expenses.

NJ S4053

Appropriates $87,783,515 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects, and for certain administrative expenses.