New Jersey Senate Bill S1889

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes special dredging account; directs $5,000,000 of sales tax collected annually be deposited therein; directs DEP to administer account and dredging program with certain requirements.

Impact

Currently, funding for dredging activities has been inadequate, especially for areas outside of the heavily funded port regions. The New Jersey Legislature has recognized the importance of maintaining navigational waters, asserting that a substantial portion of sales tax collected on boating-related transactions can and should be invested back into the environment that supports the state's $27 billion tourism industry. By dedicating these funds, the bill aims to address the backlog of maintenance needed in various waterways, thus improving access for residents and boosting local businesses reliant on these waterways.

Summary

Senate Bill 1889 aims to address the critical need for funding the dredging of certain inland waterways in New Jersey. The legislation establishes a special dredging account named the 'Community and Navigational Waterways Restorative and Maintenance Dredging Account,' into which $5,000,000 from annual sales tax revenues will be deposited. This funding is specifically directed to dredging projects that fall outside the traditional New York-New Jersey port region. By establishing this account, the bill seeks to ensure that crucial navigational and recreational waterways are maintained, thereby supporting both local economies and community access to water-based activities.

Contention

While the bill's proponents emphasize the economic and environmental need for such funding, it is likely that some stakeholders may express concerns over the allocation of sales tax revenues, questioning whether the funding structure could divert important resources from other sectors. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to the funding across different regions, particularly where communities may be less organized or connected, could be a point of contention. The effectiveness of the Department of Environmental Protection in managing and prioritizing the dredging projects also presents an area for scrutiny as the bill moves forward.