Establishes State purchasing preference for pervious pavement material; provides CBT tax credit to certain taxpayers that purchase pervious pavement material for municipal, county, or State construction or improvement projects.
Impact
A3906 is expected to impact state laws by incentivizing the consideration of environmental factors in construction procurement processes. By establishing a framework for using pervious pavement materials, the bill encourages more sustainable building practices, potentially leading to a reduction in urban flooding and an improvement in water quality. The bill also places expectations on State agencies and contractors to comply with these new regulations, fostering a shift in how public construction projects are approached. The DEP will develop a stormwater management hierarchy to assess the effectiveness of various pervious paving options, which may evolve the standards for public works in New Jersey.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3906 aims to establish a State purchasing preference for the use of pervious pavement materials in municipal, county, and State construction projects. The bill requires that when a State agency is procuring asphalt or concrete for such projects, it applies a discount on bids for using pervious materials that allow rainwater to penetrate and manage stormwater more effectively. The discount rate will be established by the State Treasurer in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and will not exceed five percent of the bid price. This initiative seeks to enhance the environmental management of stormwater runoff in construction practices across the State.
Contention
While the bill is anticipated to foster positive environmental outcomes, it may also face scrutiny regarding its implementation and effectiveness. Some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of the proposed five percent discount, questioning whether it is sufficient enough to offset the potentially higher costs associated with using pervious materials compared to traditional asphalt and concrete. Additionally, the requirement for compliance by contractors could raise concerns about regulatory burdens, and whether contractors are adequately compensated for the extra requirements under the new framework. Thus, discussions may revolve around the balance between environmental benefit and feasibility for those engaged in public construction.
Carry Over
Establishes State purchasing preference for pervious pavement material; provides CBT tax credit to certain taxpayers that purchase pervious pavement material for municipal, county, or State construction or improvement projects.
Establishes the reclaimed asphalt pavement pilot program for the purpose of utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement in the construction or improvement of state and municipal highways or bridges.