New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A122

Introduced

1/13/26

Refer

1/13/26

Caption

Makes $500,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund to DEP for dredging and restoration of Passaic River.

Impact

The enactment of A122 is expected to provide significant financial support for local environmental management efforts. By directing state funds to a specific municipality, the bill fosters localized action and responsibility regarding river health. This move can catalyze improvements in local water quality, habitat restoration, and overall ecological health of the Passaic River. The DEP is also tasked with waiving permit fees for activities consistent with the state permit, removing additional financial barriers for the township and simplifying the regulatory process.

Summary

Assembly Bill A122 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the dredging and restoration of the Passaic River. This initiative is specifically aimed at the Township of Fairfield in Essex County, which is directly impacted by the river, and seeks to address environmental concerns through municipal projects. The funds are intended to support various activities connected to cleaning, dredging, and restoration efforts as outlined in a plan submitted by the township to the commissioner of the DEP.

Conclusion

Overall, A122 represents a focused effort to improve the environmental condition of the Passaic River through targeted state funding. It embodies the collaboration between state resources and local needs, potentially paving the way for similar future initiatives aimed at preserving and restoring vital natural resources across New Jersey.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards environmental restoration, there are potential points of contention surrounding municipal and state resource allocation. Critics might question the efficiency and appropriateness of such funding, especially in the context of broader state budget priorities, and whether similar projects in other areas are receiving adequate funding. Additionally, local residents and environmental advocates may have varying opinions on the specifics of the dredging methods and restoration practices proposed by the township.

Latest NJ A122 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2026-2027 Regular Session A122

Companion Bills

NJ A3928

Carry Over Makes $500,000 supplemental from General Fund to DEP for dredging and restoration of Passaic River.

NJ S2897

Carry Over Makes $500,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund to DEP for dredging and restoration of Passaic River.

NJ S1163

Same As Makes $500,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund to DEP for dredging and restoration of Passaic River.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.