ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2609

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 20, 2025

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2609.

      As reported, this bill reappropriates unexpended funds from the “New Jersey Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement and Railroad Right-of-way Preservation Bond Act of 1989” (act) to the Department of Transportation (department).  The funds were originally appropriated for the purpose of the cost of rehabilitation and improvement of bridges carrying State highways, the cost of rehabilitation and improvement of bridges carrying county and municipal roads, and for the cost of preservation and acquisition of railroad rights-of-way.

      The bill requires the funds appropriated to the department to be administered by the department and reappropriated to offset any cost permitted under the bond act.  The bill permits the funds to be appropriated for emergency repairs, in various locations, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Transportation.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 2609 is identical to Senate Bill No. 742, which was also reported by the committee on this date.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill is not certified as requiring a fiscal note.