CHAPTER 35

 

An Act appropriating moneys to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purpose of making zero-interest loans or principal-forgiveness loans to project sponsors to finance a portion of the costs of environmental infrastructure projects.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1. a. (1) There is appropriated to the department from the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund," established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2009, c.77, an amount equal to the federal fiscal year 2024 capitalization grant made available to the State for clean water project loans and technical assistance pursuant to the "Water Quality Act of 1987," 33 U.S.C. s.1251 et seq., and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto (hereinafter referred to as the "Federal Clean Water Act") and such sums as are made available to the department from the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" from funds made available pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L. 117-58, for clean water project loans and technical assistance.

     (2) There is appropriated to the department from the "Interim Environmental Financing Program Fund," established by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to subsection d. of section 9 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-9), such amounts as may be necessary to supplement the sums appropriated from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the purposes of clean water project loans and technical assistance and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (3) There is appropriated to the department from the "Disaster Relief Emergency Financing Program Fund," established by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2013, c.93 (C.58:11B-9.5), such amounts as may be necessary to supplement the sums appropriated from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the purposes of clean water project loans and technical assistance and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (4) There is appropriated to the department from the "Drinking Water State Revolving Fund," established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1998, c.84, an amount equal to the federal fiscal year 2024 capitalization grant made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the "Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996," Pub.L. 104-182, and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto (hereinafter referred to as the "Federal Safe Drinking Water Act"), and such sums as are made available to the department from the "Drinking Water State Revolving Fund" from funds made available pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L. 117-58, for drinking water project loans and technical assistance.

     The department is authorized to transfer from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, pursuant to the "Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act," Pub.L.116-63, additional amounts as may be necessary to address a threat to public health and an amount equal to the maximum amount authorized to be transferred is appropriated to the department for those purposes. 

     The department is authorized to transfer from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund an amount up to the maximum amount authorized to be transferred pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act to meet present and future needs for the financing of eligible drinking water projects and an amount equal to that maximum amount is appropriated to the department for those purposes.

     The department is authorized to transfer from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund an amount up to the maximum amount authorized to be transferred pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act to meet present and future needs for the financing of eligible clean water projects and an amount equal to that maximum amount is appropriated to the department for those purposes.

     Notwithstanding any provision of this act to the contrary, the department is authorized to utilize funds from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the purposes of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and may charge interest on loans made with such invested funds to the extent permitted by the Federal Clean Water Act and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (5) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, including the balances from the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of clean water project loans and technical assistance and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (6) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the "Wastewater Treatment Fund," established pursuant to section 15 of the "Wastewater Treatment Bond Act of 1985," P.L.1985, c.329, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of clean water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (7) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund," established pursuant to section 27 of the "Green Acres, Clean Water, Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 1992," P.L.1992, c.88, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of clean water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (8) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund," established pursuant to subsection a. of section 19 of the "Dam, Lake, Stream, Flood Control, Water Resources, and Wastewater Treatment Project Bond Act of 2003," P.L.2003, c.162, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of clean water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (9) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund," established pursuant to section 14 of the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Bond Act of 1985," P.L.1985, c.302, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of clean water project loans and drinking water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act and for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (10) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund," established pursuant to the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Bond Act of 1989," P.L.1989, c.181, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of clean water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (11) There is appropriated to the department the unappropriated balances from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, including the balances from the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of drinking water project loans. 

     (12) There is appropriated to the department such sums as may be needed from loan repayments and interest earnings from the "Water Supply Fund," established pursuant to section 14 of the "Water Supply Bond Act of 1981," P.L.1981, c.261, for the "Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Match Accounts" contained within that fund, for the purpose of providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (13) There is appropriated to the department from the "Interim Environmental Financing Program Fund," established by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to subsection d. of section 9 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-9), such amounts as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom, as may be necessary to supplement the sums appropriated from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the purposes of drinking water project loans and technical assistance and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (14) There is appropriated to the department from the "Disaster Relief Emergency Financing Program Fund," established by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2013, c.93 (C.58:11B-9.5), such amounts as may be necessary to supplement the sums appropriated from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the purposes of drinking water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (15) There is appropriated to the department such amounts as may be received by the Department of Community Affairs, as the grantee from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR), as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of CDBG-DR eligible clean water and drinking water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act and drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (16) There is appropriated to the department such sums as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, as repayments of drinking water project loans and any interest therefrom from the "Water Supply Fund," established pursuant to section 14 of the "Water Supply Bond Act of 1981," P.L.1981, c.261, for the purposes of drinking water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (17) Of the sums appropriated to the department from the "Water Supply Fund" pursuant to P.L.1999, c.174, P.L.2001, c.222, P.L.2002, c.70, and P.L.2003, c.158, the department is authorized to transfer any unexpended balances and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, in such amounts as needed to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund accounts contained within the Water Supply Fund established for the purposes of providing drinking water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     (18) Of the sums appropriated to the department from the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to P.L.1996, c.85, P.L.1997, c.221, P.L.1998, c.84, P.L.1999, c.174, P.L.2000, c.92, P.L.2001, c.222, and P.L.2002, c.70, the department is authorized to transfer any unexpended balances and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, in such amounts as needed to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund accounts contained within the 1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund for the purposes of providing clean water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (19) Of the sums appropriated to the department from the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to P.L.2004, c.109 and P.L.2007, c.139, the department is authorized to transfer any unexpended balances and any repayments of loans and interest therefrom as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, in such amounts as needed to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund accounts contained within the 2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund for the purposes of providing clean water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act.

     (20) There is appropriated to the department the sums deposited by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank into the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the "Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "Water Supply Fund," the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund," established pursuant to the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Bond Act of 1989," P.L.1989, c.181, the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund," and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as appropriate, pursuant to paragraph (6) of subsection c. of section 1 of P.L.2024, c.41, as may be available on or before June 30, 2025, for the purposes of providing clean water project loans and drinking water project loans and providing the State match as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for clean water projects pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act and for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

     Any such amounts shall be for the purpose of making zero-interest and principal-forgiveness financing loans, to the extent sufficient funds are available, to or on behalf of local government units or public water utilities (hereinafter referred to as "project sponsors") to finance a portion of the cost of the construction of clean water projects and drinking water projects listed in sections 2 and 3 of this act, and for the purpose of implementing and administering the provisions of this act, to the extent permitted by the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, P.L.2009, c.77, the "Wastewater Treatment Bond Act of 1985." P.L.1985, c.329, the "Water Supply Bond Act of 1981," P.L.1981, c.261, the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Bond Act of 1989," P.L.1989, c.181, the "Green Acres, Clean Water, Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 1992," P.L.1992, c.88, the "Dam, Lake, Stream, Flood Control, Water Resources, and the Wastewater Treatment Project Bond Act of 2003," P.L.2003, c.162, and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto.

     (21) Of the $60 million appropriated to the department for the capital construction of drinking water infrastructure by the State fiscal year 2024 appropriations act, P.L.2023, c.74, plus any appropriated funds designated in State fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, up to $25 million may be transferred to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to invest, provide debt service reserve or guarantee, or pay interest on behalf of a sponsor of a drinking water environmental infrastructure project.

     (22) Of the funds appropriated or reappropriated to the department for the capital construction of drinking water and clean water infrastructure by the State fiscal year 2025 appropriations act, P.L.2024, c.22, the department is authorized to transfer up to $5 million to the trust for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities.

     (23) Of the funds appropriated or reappropriated to the department for the capital construction of drinking water and clean water infrastructure by the State fiscal year 2025 appropriations act, P.L.2024, c.22, plus any appropriated funds designated in State fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the department is authorized to utilize up to $60 million for principal forgiveness of up to $2 million per applicant to disadvantaged communities participating in the department's technical assistance program for construction costs associated with clean water or drinking water environmental infrastructure projects.

     (24) There is appropriated to the department for the purposes of eligible clean water project grants such amounts as may be received by the department under the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grants Program, as the grantee from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and as may be available on or before June 30, 2025.

     (25) Of the funds appropriated or reappropriated to the department for the capital construction of drinking water and clean water infrastructure by the State fiscal year 2025 appropriations act, P.L.2024, c.22, plus any appropriated funds designated in State fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the department is authorized to utilize up to $60 million to provide grants of up to $2 million per applicant to disadvantaged communities participating in the Water Bank’s technical assistance program for planning and design costs associated with clean water or drinking water environmental infrastructure projects.

     b.  The department is authorized to make zero-interest and principal-forgiveness financing loans to or on behalf of the project sponsors for the environmental infrastructure projects listed in subsection a. of section 2 and subsection a. of section 3 of this act for clean water projects, up to the individual amounts indicated and in the priority stated, to the extent there are sufficient eligible project applications, except that any such amounts may be reduced if a project fails to meet the requirements of sections 4 or 5 of this act, or by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection pursuant to section 7 of this act.

     (1) A maximum of $20 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024 for combined sewer overflow projects, shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act to communities in combined sewer overflow sewersheds for construction projects that reduce or eliminate discharges from combined sewer overflow outfalls. The amount of principal forgiveness issued pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed $5 million per borrower whenever practicable. For project costs greater than $5 million, up to and including $10 million, 50 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 50 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate. For project costs greater than $10 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate. For combined sewer overflow projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (2) A maximum of $30 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024 for combined sewer overflow projects shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act to communities in combined sewer overflow sewersheds for construction projects that reduce or eliminate discharges from combined sewer overflow outfalls that meet "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" affordability criteria. The amount of principal forgiveness issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be based on the applicable tier of the department’s affordability score.  For a borrower satisfying Tier 1 of the department’s affordability score and project costs up to and including $8 million, 100 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven. For a borrower satisfying Tier 2 of the department’s affordability score and project costs up to and including $7 million, 100 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven. For project costs greater than $8 million in the case of a Tier 1 borrower, and greater than $7 million in the case of a Tier 2 borrower, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate. For combined sewer overflow projects that reduce or eliminate discharges from combined sewer overflow outfalls that meet "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" affordability criteria that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (3) A maximum of $10 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024 for water quality restoration projects, shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act for water quality restoration projects. The amount of a principal-forgiveness loan issued pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed $2.5 million per borrower whenever practicable.  For project costs up to and including $5 million, 50 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 50 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate. For project costs greater than $5 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.  For water quality restoration projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (4) A maximum of $40 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024, for clean water projects sponsored by applicants that meet the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" affordability criteria as set forth by the department shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act. The amount of a principal-forgiveness loan issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be based on the applicable tier of the department’s affordability score. For a borrower satisfying Tier 1 of the department’s affordability score and project costs up to and including $3 million, 100 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven.  For a borrower satisfying Tier 2 of the department’s affordability score and project costs up to and including $2 million, 100 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven. For project costs greater than $3 million in the case of a Tier 1 borrower or greater than $2 million in the case of a Tier 2 borrower, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate.  For clean water projects sponsored by applicants that meet the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" affordability criteria that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (5) A maximum of $18 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024, for water and energy efficiency projects shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act to projects that address water and energy efficiency goals that meet the eligibility requirements for water and energy efficiency as defined in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's "Green Project Reserve Guidance." The amount of a principal-forgiveness loan issued pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed $2 million per borrower whenever practicable. For project costs up to and including $4 million, 50 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 50 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate.  For project costs greater than $4 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.  For water and energy efficiency projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (6) A maximum of $18 million in principal forgiveness for emerging contaminant projects shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act to projects that primarily address substances and microorganisms, which are known or anticipated in the environment and which may pose newly identified or re-emerging risks to human health, aquatic life, or the environment.  For project costs up to and including $10 million, 100 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven, whenever practicable. For project costs greater than $10 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate. For emerging contaminant projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (7) A maximum of $2 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024, for combined sewer overflow or stormwater management projects shall be issued to finance up to 20 percent of project costs for projects that qualify for a Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse grant. 100 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining project costs shall be financed through a Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse grant from the department.

     (8) A maximum of $30 million in principal forgiveness, plus, of the sums appropriated to the department by the federal "American Rescue Plan Act," Pub.L. 117-2, a maximum of $50 million in principal forgiveness, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024, shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act to communities in combined sewer overflow sewersheds for construction projects that reduce or eliminate discharges from combined sewer overflow outfalls that are listed on combined sewer outfall long term control plans. Eighty percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 20 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate.

     (9) A maximum of $9 million in principal forgiveness, plus, of the sums appropriated to the department by the federal “American Rescue Plan Act,” Pub.L. 117-2, a maximum of $11 million in principal forgiveness, shall be issued as provided in subsection a. of section 3 of this act to improve stormwater resilience. Eighty percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 20 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust’s market rate. For stormwater resilience projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate. 

     (10) The projects listed in subsection a. of section 2 of this act and subsection a. of section 3 of this act that were previously identified in P.L.2023, c.120, as amended by P.L.2023, c.344, are granted continued priority status and shall be subject to the provisions of P.L.2023, c.120, as amended by P.L.2023, c.344, provided such projects receive short-term funding prior to June 30, 2024.

     c.     The department is authorized to make zero-interest and principal-forgiveness financing loans to or on behalf of the project sponsors for the environmental infrastructure projects listed in subsection b. of section 3 of this act for drinking water projects, up to the individual amounts indicated and in the priority stated, provided:

     (1) up to $7 million of Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024 for drinking water systems serving populations of up to 10,000 residents, shall be available for drinking water systems serving populations of up to 10,000 residents wherein principal forgiveness shall not exceed $1 million in the aggregate and shall not exceed 50 percent of the total loan amount per project sponsor in an amount not to exceed $2 million per project sponsor. Project costs greater than $2 million shall have a loan funded at a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate;

     (2) up to $6 million in principal forgiveness shall be available to finance drinking water systems that serve fewer than 1,000 persons. A loan issued pursuant to this paragraph shall have 100 percent principal forgiveness;

     (3) a maximum of $34 million of principal forgiveness shall be available for drinking water projects that primarily address emerging contaminants, for which principal forgiveness may be authorized for up to 100 percent of the total fund loan amount of up to $2 million per applicant. For project costs greater than $2 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate. For emerging contaminant projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate;

     (4) up to $40 million of the sums appropriated to the department from the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub. L. 117-58, may be issued for principal forgiveness for drinking water projects other than those to address emerging contaminants or lead that meet the affordability criteria of the department. A maximum of $20 million of principal forgiveness pursuant to this paragraph shall be available for up to 100 percent of the total fund loan amount up to and including $10 million for a borrower satisfying the department’s affordability criteria whose project is identified as among the department’s highest ranked drinking water projects. A maximum of $20 million of principal forgiveness shall be available for up to 100 percent of the total fund loan amount up to and including $4 million for borrowers satisfying the department’s Tier 1 affordability score and up to and including $2 million for borrowers satisfying the department’s Tier 2 affordability score. For projects that would otherwise qualify under this subsection for principal forgiveness that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate;

     (5) up to $51 million plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024, and up to $60.3 million of the sums appropriated to the department by the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L. 117-58, may be issued for principal-forgiveness loans for drinking water systems that meet the department's affordability criteria pursuant to the State's lead service line replacement program to finance lead service line replacements. The amount of a principal-forgiveness loan issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be based on the applicable tier of the department’s affordability score.  For a borrower satisfying Tier 1 of the department’s affordability score, the amount of principal forgiveness shall not exceed 80 percent of the total loan amount of up to $16 million per water system.  For project costs up to and including $20 million, 80 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 20 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate. For project costs greater than $20 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate. For a borrower satisfying Tier 2 of the department’s affordability score, the amount of principal forgiveness shall not exceed 50 percent of the total loan amount of up to $10 million per water system. For project costs up to and including $20 million, 50 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 50 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate. For project costs greater than $20 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust's market rate. For lead service line replacement projects that receive no principal forgiveness because principal-forgiveness funds allocated to such projects are no longer available, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 20 percent of the trust's market rate; and

     (6) A maximum of $20 million of the sums appropriated to the department from the federal "American Rescue Plan Act," Pub.L. 117-2, plus any appropriated but unallocated funds designated in State fiscal year 2024, may be issued to drinking water systems for principal-forgiveness loans for projects that address climate change concerns and ensure long-term drinking water resilience in New Jersey, or for projects for the installation of treatment systems to address multiple maximum contaminant level violations at one drinking water system that meets the affordability criteria of the department.  For project costs up to and including $25 million, 80 percent of the principal of the loan shall be forgiven and the remaining 20 percent of the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 50 percent of the trust's market rate.  For project costs over $25 million, the loan shall have a blended interest rate of 25 percent of the trust’s market rate.

     Loans may be made pursuant to this subsection to the extent there are sufficient eligible project applications and as may be required for the award of the capitalization grants made available to the State for drinking water projects pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.  Any such amounts may be reduced by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2024, c.35, or if a project fails to meet the requirements of section 4 or 5 of P.L.2024, c.35.

     The department is authorized to increase the maximum amounts available for principal forgiveness pursuant to this subsection or subsection b. of this section, to the extent additional funds are available.

     d.  The department is authorized to make zero-interest and principal-forgiveness financing loans to or on behalf of the project sponsors for the environmental infrastructure projects listed in sections 2 and 3 of this act under the same terms, conditions and requirements set forth in this section from any unexpended balances of the amounts appropriated pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1987, c.200, section 2 of P.L.1988, c.133, section 1 of P.L.1989, c.189, section 1 of P.L.1990, c.99, section 1 of P.L.1991, c.325, section 1 of P.L.1992, c.38, section 1 of P.L.1993, c.193, section 1 of P.L.1994, c.106, section 1 of P.L.1995, c.219, section 1 of P.L.1996, c.85, section 1 of P.L.1997, c.221, section 2 of P.L.1998, c.84, section 2 of P.L.1999, c.174, section 2 of P.L.2000, c.92, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2001, c.222, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2002, c.70, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2003, c.158, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2004, c.109, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2005, c.196, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2006, c.68, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2007, c.139, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2008, c.68, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2009, c.102, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2010, c.63, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2011, c.93, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2012, c.43, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2013, c.95, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2014, c.25, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2015, c.108, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2016, c.32, as amended by P.L.2017, c.14, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2017, c.143, as amended by P.L.2017, c.326, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2018, c.85, as amended by P.L.2018, c.137 and P.L.2019, c.12, sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2019, c.193, as amended by P.L.2019, c.514, P.L.2020, c.49, as amended by P.L.2021, c.21, P.L.2021, c.203, as amended by P.L.2021, c.328, P.L.2022, c.99, as amended by P.L.2023, c.6, P.L.2023, c.120, as amended by P.L.2023, c.344, and P.L.2024, c.35, including amounts resulting from the low bid and final building cost reductions authorized pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1987, c.200, section 7 of P.L.1988, c.133, section 6 of P.L.1989, c.189, section 6 of P.L.1990, c.99, section 6 of P.L.1991, c.325, section 6 of P.L.1992, c.38, section 6 of P.L.1993, c.193, section 6 of P.L.1994, c.106, section 6 of P.L.1995, c.219, section 6 of P.L. 1996, c.85, section 6 of P.L.1997, c.221, section 7 of P.L.1998, c.84, section 6 of P.L.1999, c.174, section 6 of P.L.2000, c.92, section 6 of P.L.2001, c.222, section 6 of P.L.2002, c.70, section 6 of P.L.2003, c.158, section 6 of P.L.2004, c.109, section 6 of P.L.2005, c.196, section 6 of P.L.2006, c.68, section 6 of P.L.2007, c.139, section 6 of P.L.2008, c.68, section 7 of P.L.2009, c.102, section 6 of P.L.2010, c.63, section 6 of P.L.2011, c.93, section 6 of P.L.2012, c.43, section 6 of P.L.2013, c.95, section 7 of P.L.2014, c.25, section 7 of P.L.2015, c.108, section 7 of P.L.2016, c.32, as amended by P.L.2017, c.14, section 7 of P.L.2017, c.143 as amended by P.L.2017, c.326, section 7 of P.L.2018, c.85, as amended by P.L.2018, c.137 and P.L.2019, c.12, section 7 of P.L.2019, c.193, as amended by P.L.2019, c.514, section 7 of P.L.2020, c.49, as amended by P.L.2021, c.21, P.L.2021, c.203, as amended by P.L.2021, c.328, P.L.2022, c.99, as amended by P.L.2023, c.6, P.L.2023, c.120, as amended by P.L.2023, c.344, and P.L.2024, c.35 and from any repayments of loans and interest from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the "Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "Water Supply Fund," the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund," and amounts deposited therein during State fiscal year 2024 and State fiscal year 2025 pursuant to the provisions of section 16 of P.L.1985, c.329, and section 2 of P.L.2009, c.77 and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto, including any Clean Water State Revolving Fund Accounts contained within the "Wastewater Treatment Fund," and from any repayment of loans and interest from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

     e.     The department is authorized to make zero-interest and principal-forgiveness Sandy financing loans to or on behalf of the project sponsors for the Sandy environmental infrastructure projects listed in subsection a. of section 3 of this act for clean water projects, in a manner consistent with the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, up to the individual amounts indicated, except that any such amount may be reduced by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection pursuant to section 7 of this act, or if a project fails to meet the requirements of section 4, 5, or 7 of this act, provided a maximum of $300 million shall be provided for Sandy financing loans for clean water projects to provide financial assistance to communities affected by the Storm Sandy and for projects whose purpose is to reduce flood damage risk and vulnerability or to enhance resiliency to rapid hydrologic change or a natural disaster.

     f.     The department is authorized to increase the aggregate sums specified in subsections b. and c. of this section by the amount of interest accrued pursuant to a short-term or temporary loan made to a project sponsor pursuant to the Interim Environmental Financing Program.

     g.    For the purposes of this act:

     "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.

     "Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act" means the "Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013," Pub.L.113-2, and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto.

     "Sandy financing" means grants, zero-interest loans or principal-forgiveness loans provided by the Department of Environmental Protection from funds made available to the State for clean water or drinking water projects, or clean water or drinking water project match, pursuant to the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act.

     "Technical assistance" means all services and assistance provided for the benefit of eligible project sponsors, including, but not limited to, public engagement services, technical assistance and expertise, and community education, for the purposes of identifying and pursuing a clean water or drinking water project, as described in the financial plan developed pursuant to section 21 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-21) or section 25 of P.L.1997, c.224 (C.58:11B-21.1).

     "Trust" means the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank created pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-4).

 

     2. a. (1) The department is authorized to expend funds for the purpose of making supplemental zero-interest loans to or on behalf of the project sponsors listed below for the following clean water environmental infrastructure projects:

 

Project Sponsor                   Project Number                     Estimated Allowable                               Estimated Total

                                                                                                      DEP Loan Amount                                        Loan Amount

Hoboken City                        S340635-06R                           $30,000,000                                                          $40,000,000

Newark City                          S340815-24R                           $15,750,000                                                          $21,000,000

North Bergen MUA             S340652-14R                           $6,150,000                                                              $8,200,000

Ocean Township SA            S340750-14R                           $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Rutgers University                S340500-01R                           $3,150,000                                                              $4,200,000

Somerville Borough            S342013-01-1                          $1,387,500                                                              $1,850,000

Total Projects: 6                                                                    $57,937,500                                                          $77,250,000

 

     (2) The loans authorized in this subsection shall be made for the difference between the allowable loan amounts required by these projects based upon final building costs pursuant to section 7 of this act and the loan amounts certified by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection in State fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and for increased allowable costs as defined and determined in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the department pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1985, c.329.  The loans authorized in this subsection shall be made to or on behalf of the project sponsors listed, up to the individual amounts indicated and in the priority stated, to the extent sufficient funds are available, except as a project fails to meet the requirements of section 4, 5, or 7 of this act.

     (3) The zero-interest loans for the projects authorized in this subsection shall have priority over projects listed in subsection a. of section 3 of this act.

     b. (1) The department is authorized to expend funds for the purpose of making supplemental loans to or on behalf of the project sponsors listed below for the following drinking water environmental infrastructure projects:

 

Project Sponsor                   Project Number                     Estimated Allowable                               Estimated Total

                                                                                                      DEP Loan Amount                                        Loan Amount

National Park                        0812001-004R                        $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

  Borough

North Jersey                           1613001-025R                        $19,125,000                                                          $25,500,000

  District WSC

Total Projects: 2                                                                    $19,875,000                                                          $26,500,000

 

     (2) The loans authorized in this subsection shall be made for the difference between the allowable loan amount required by these projects based upon final building costs pursuant to section 7 of this act and the loan amounts certified by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection in State fiscal years 2020 and 2022 and for increased allowable costs as defined and determined in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the department pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1981, c.261.  The loans authorized in this subsection shall be made to or on behalf of the project sponsors listed, up to the individual amounts indicated and in the priority stated, to the extent sufficient funds are available, except as a project fails to meet the requirements of section 4, 5, or 7 of this act.

     (3) The zero-interest loans for the projects authorized in this subsection shall have priority over projects listed in subsection b. of section 3 of this act.

     c.     The department is authorized to adjust the allowable department loan amount for projects authorized in this section to between zero percent and 100 percent of the total allowable loan amount, and, if the department loan amount is adjusted to 100 percent of the total allowable loan amount, the loan shall be provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of the financing program year in which the construction loan component of the project was certified by the department, and for which the trust issued an interim financing program loan for the project, or, in the absence of an interim financing program loan, the terms and conditions of the State fiscal year 2025 financing program.

 

     3. a. (1) The following environmental infrastructure projects shall be known and may be cited as the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2025 Clean Water Project Eligibility List":

 

Project Sponsor                             Project Number           Estimated Allowable                               Estimated Total

                                                                                                        DEP Loan Amount                                     Loan Amount

Oakland Borough                           S340418-06                    $5,790,000                                                              $7,720,000

Camden County MUA                  S340640-19                    $8,625,000                                                            $11,500,000

Camden County MUA                  S340640-25                    $10,725,000                                                          $14,300,000

Rahway Valley SA                        S340547-17                    $4,500,000                                                              $6,000,000

Mendham Borough                        S340159-04                    $4,125,000                                                              $5,500,000

Newark City                                    S340815-25                    $356,250                                                                     $475,000

Camden County MUA                  S340640-32                    $18,000,000                                                          $24,000,000

Camden County MUA                  S340640-29                    $9,525,000                                                            $12,700,000

Montgomery Township                 S340130-03                    $21,750,000                                                          $29,000,000

Newark City                                    S340815-26                    $3,300,000                                                              $4,400,000

Camden City                                   S340366-07                    $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Camden City                                   S340366-14                    $7,027,500                                                              $9,370,000

Middlesex County UA                  S340699-17                    $19,500,000                                                          $26,000,000

North Bergen MUA                       S340652-16                    $16,125,000                                                          $21,500,000

Musconetcong SA                          S340384-10                    $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Hoboken City                                  S340635-08                    $28,500,000                                                          $38,000,000

Paterson City                                   S340850-05                    $1,451,250                                                              $1,935,000

Paterson City                                   S340850-07                    $3,000,000                                                              $4,000,000

Jersey City MUA                            S340928-47                    $18,750,000                                                          $25,000,000

Jersey City MUA                            S340928-49                    $24,825,000                                                          $33,100,000

Jersey City MUA                            S340928-40                    $6,000,000                                                              $8,000,000

Jersey City MUA                            S340928-23                    $9,750,000                                                            $13,000,000

Jersey City MUA                            S340928-24                    $93,750,000                                                       $125,000,000

Elizabeth City                                 S340942-20                    $17,250,000                                                          $23,000,000

Elizabeth City                                 S345070-01                    $3,000,001                                                              $4,000,001

Camden County MUA                  S340640-33                    $21,750,000                                                        $29,000,000

Kearny Town                                   S340259-11                    $12,750,000                                                        $17,000,000

Ridgefield Park Village                 S340688-06                    $9,150,000                                                            $12,200,000

Ridgefield Park Village                 S340688-07                    $2,025,000                                                              $2,700,000

Perth Amboy City                          S340435-17                    $3,313,800                                                              $4,418,400

Long Branch SA                             S340336-08                    $1,305,525                                                              $1,740,700

Bayshore RSA                                 S340697-07                    $23,625,000                                                        $31,500,000

Ocean County UA                          S340372-64                    $37,500,000                                                        $50,000,000

Cliffside Park Borough                 S340847-04                    $3,975,000                                                              $5,300,000

North Hudson SA                           S340952-42                    $40,125,000                                                        $53,500,000

North Hudson SA                           S340952-40                    $17,625,000                                                        $23,500,000

North Hudson SA                           S340952-37                    $9,750,000                                                            $13,000,000

North Hudson SA                           S340952-39                    $13,500,000                                                        $18,000,000

Perth Amboy City                          S340435-19                    $300,000                                                                     $400,000

Perth Amboy City                          S340435-24                    $975,000                                                                  $1,300,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-13                    $12,750,000                                                        $17,000,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-16                    $10,500,000                                                        $14,000,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-17                    $5,625,000                                                              $7,500,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-18                    $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-21                    $15,000,000                                                          $20,000,000

Bayonne City                                  S340399-33                    $4,350,000                                                              $5,800,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-37                    $91,125,000                                                      $121,500,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-44                    $18,000,000                                                        $24,000,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-53                    $13,650,000                                                        $18,200,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S345200-01                    $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S345200-51                    $105,750,000                                                     $141,000,000

Pennsville SA                                  S340870-05                    $4,875,000                                                              $6,500,000

Beach Haven Borough                  S344220-01                    $2,700,000                                                              $3,600,000

Logan Township MUA                 S340123-02                    $9,000,000                                                            $12,000,000

Bergen County UA                        S340386-23                    $45,000,000                                                        $60,000,000

Linden Roselle SA                         S340299-08                    $20,250,000                                                        $27,000,000

Raritan Township MUA               S340485-13                    $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-63                    $66,750,000                                                          $89,000,000

Wanaque Valley RSA                   S340780-05                    $8,625,000                                                            $11,500,000

Gloucester County UA                 S340902-15                    $10,875,000                                                        $14,500,000

Stony Brook RSA                           S340400-11                    $16,500,000                                                        $22,000,000

Evesham MUA                                S340838-09                    $562,500                                                                     $750,000

Long Branch SA                             S340336-09                    $4,200,000                                                              $5,600,000

Bergen County UA                        S340386-26                    $4,500,000                                                              $6,000,000

JMEUC - East Orange City         S340686-09a                 $465,378                                                                     $620,504

JMEUC - Elizabeth City              S340686-09b                 $4,879,407                                                              $6,505,876

JMEUC - Hillside Township       S340686-09c                  $681,323                                                                     $908,430

JMEUC - Irvington Township    S340686-09d                 $1,689,260                                                              $2,252,347

JMEUC - Newark City                 S340686-09e                  $1,022,282                                                              $1,363,042

JMEUC - South Orange                S340686-09f                  $488,105                                                                     $650,806

  Village

JMEUC - Summit City                 S340686-09g                  $889,742                                                                  $1,186,322

JMEUC - Union Township          S340686-09h                 $1,837,001                                                              $2,449,335

JMEUC - West Orange                 S340686-09i                   $1,189,072                                                              $1,585,429

  Township

Ocean County                                 S344080-10                    $187,500                                                                     $250,000

Ocean County                                 S344080-11                    $262,500                                                                     $350,000

Rockaway Valley RSA                 S340821-08                    $11,625,000                                                        $15,500,000

Rockaway Valley RSA                 S340821-11                    $10,125,000                                                        $13,500,000

Camden County MUA                  S340640-36                    $11,625,000                                                        $15,500,000

Hamilton Township                       S340898-06                    $3,037,500                                                              $4,050,000

Stafford Township                         S340946-09                    $3,510,000                                                              $4,680,000

Metuchen Borough                        S340360-02                    $6,750,000                                                              $9,000,000

Somerville Borough                      S340551-01                    $2,775,000                                                              $3,700,000

Netcong Borough                           S340538-01                    $75,000                                                                       $100,000

Manasquan River                           S340911-03                    $495,000                                                                     $660,000

  Regional SA

Stafford Township                         S340946-10                    $6,375,000                                                              $8,500,000

Vernon Township                           S340745-03                    $2,271,750                                                              $3,029,000

Hightstown Borough                     S340915-08                    $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Delanco SA                                      S340956-03                    $1,725,000                                                              $2,300,000

Pleasantville City                           S340752-04                    $3,246,413                                                              $4,328,550

Bergen County UA                        S340386-25                    $3,000,000                                                              $4,000,000

Monmouth County                        S340325-04                    $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

  Bayshore Outfall Authority

Monmouth County                        S340325-04a                 $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

  Bayshore Outfall Authority

Camden County MUA                  S340640-30                    $5,625,000                                                              $7,500,000

Rockaway Valley RSA                 S340821-10                    $6,375,000                                                              $8,500,000

Toms River MUA                          S340145-07                    $6,750,000                                                              $9,000,000

Brick Township MUA                  S340448-12                    $6,750,000                                                              $9,000,000

Brick Township MUA                  S340448-13                    $3,450,000                                                              $4,600,000

Northwest Bergen County UA    S340700-19                    $6,099,338                                                              $8,132,450

Franklin Township SA                  S340839-09                    $5,700,000                                                              $7,600,000

Franklin Township SA                  S340839-10                    $7,125,000                                                              $9,500,000

Egg Harbor Township MUA       S340753-06                    $937,500                                                                  $1,250,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-22                    $1,200,000                                                              $1,600,000

Mount Laurel                                  S340943-07                    $6,000,000                                                              $8,000,000

  Township MUA

North Brunswick Township         S340888-03                    $2,475,000                                                              $3,300,000

North Brunswick Township         S340888-04                    $2,625,000                                                              $3,500,000

Deptford Township MUA            S340066-03                    $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

Deptford Township MUA            S340066-04                    $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

Hillside Township                          S340686-10                    $1,950,000                                                              $2,600,000

Hopewell Township                       S340282-03                    $1,230,000                                                              $1,640,000

Mantua Township MUA               S340514-01                    $2,007,375                                                              $2,676,500

Mantua Township MUA               S340514-03                    $1,022,625                                                              $1,363,500

Berkeley Heights Township        S340385-08                    $525,000                                                                     $700,000

Pennsville SA                                  S340870-04                    $1,200,000                                                              $1,600,000

South Monmouth RSA                  S340377-06                    $1,725,000                                                              $2,300,000

North Haledon Borough               S340229-02                    $75,000                                                                       $100,000

North Haledon Borough               S340229-01                    $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Carneys Point SA                           S340502-08                    $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Haddon Heights Borough             S340877-02                    $487,500                                                                     $650,000

Emerson Borough                          S340497-01                    $75,000                                                                       $100,000

Emerson Borough                          S340497-02                    $525,000                                                                     $700,000

Highlands Borough                        S340901-05                    $6,375,000                                                              $8,500,000

Medford Lakes Borough              S340319-03                    $8,250,000                                                            $11,000,000

Hamburg Borough                         S340149-03                    $75,000                                                                       $100,000

Hamburg Borough                         S340149-04                    $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

Wenonah Borough                         S340531-01                    $997,500                                                                  $1,330,000

Clinton Township SA                   S340873-04                    $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Long Beach Township                  S340023-10                    $3,900,000                                                              $5,200,000

Fieldsboro Borough                       S340522-01                    $3,750,000                                                              $5,000,000

North Bergen Township               S340652-17                    $3,225,000                                                              $4,300,000

Willingboro MUA                          S340132-10                    $13,650,000                                                        $18,200,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-45                    $7,657,577                                                            $10,210,102

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-46                    $51,750,000                                                        $69,000,000

Passaic Valley SC                          S340689-54                    $16,950,000                                                        $22,600,000

Ocean Gate Borough                     S340151-02                    $1,125,000                                                              $1,500,000

Ocean County UA                          S340372-65                    $3,150,000                                                              $4,200,000

Hackensack City                            S340923-15                    $1,200,000                                                              $1,600,000

Lower Township MUA                 S340810-05                    $22,500,000                                                        $30,000,000

Boonton Town                                S340265-02                    $2,475,000                                                              $3,300,000

Runnemede Borough                     S340363-07                    $8,250,000                                                            $11,000,000

Newton Town                                  S340449-04                    $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Gloucester Township                     S340364-19                    $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Gloucester Township                     S340364-16                    $450,000                                                                     $600,000

Gloucester Township                     S340364-17                    $967,649                                                                  $1,290,198

Gloucester Township                     S340364-18                    $1,125,000                                                              $1,500,000

Newton Town                                  S340449-10                    $1,651,125                                                              $2,201,500

Jersey City MUA                            S340928-32                    $11,250,000                                                        $15,000,000

Trenton City                                    S340416-14                    $18,000,000                                                        $24,000,000

Atlantic City MUA                        S340439-04                    $2,300,000                                                              $3,066,667

East Orange City                            S340843-03                    $12,825,000                                                        $17,100,000

Burlington City                               S340140-02                    $1,950,000                                                              $2,600,000

Bloomfield Township                    S340516-01                    $5,423,228                                                              $7,230,970

South Orange Village                    S340103-02                    $2,002,500                                                              $2,670,000

Brick Township MUA                  S340448-14                    $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

West Deptford Township             S340947-06                    $3,540,000                                                              $4,720,000

Bordentown City                            S340219-04                    $3,000,000                                                              $4,000,000

Ship Bottom Borough                   S340311-04                    $2,062,500                                                              $2,750,000

Total Projects: 156                                                               $1,420,995,476                                              $1,894,660,629

 

     (2) The department is authorized to make clean water and drinking water project loans to the following municipalities receiving funding from the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund," established pursuant to section 14 of the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Bond Act of 1985," P.L.1985, c.302:

 

Project Sponsor                               Project Number                      Estimated Total Loan Amount

Pemberton Twp.                               Pinelands 1                                                              $2,929,000

Manchester Twp./                             Pinelands 2                                                              $7,192,035

  Jackson MUA

Galloway Twp.                                 Pinelands 4                                                              $3,493,440

Winslow Twp.                                  Pinelands 5                                                              $1,728,940

Total Pinelands Projects: 4                                                                                          $15,343,415

 

     b.  The following environmental infrastructure projects shall be known and may be cited as the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2025 Drinking Water Project Eligibility List":

 

Project Sponsor                             Project Number           Estimated Allowable                               Estimated Total

                                                                                                        Trust Loan Amount                                   Loan Amount

Passaic Valley Water                    1605002-002                 $54,000,000                                                          $72,000,000

  Commission

Lakewood Township MUA         1514002-001                 $11,250,000                                                          $15,000,000

Orange City                                     0717001-013                 $975,000                                                                  $1,300,000

Newark City                                    0714001-022                 $18,000,000                                                          $24,000,000

New Brunswick City                     1214001-005                 $47,250,000                                                          $63,000,000

Camden City                                   0408001-001                 $41,250,000                                                          $55,000,000

Netcong Borough                           1428001-001                 $90,000                                                                       $120,000

Red Bank Borough                        1340001-004                 $6,600,000                                                              $8,800,000

Hopatcong Borough                      1912001-002                 $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Bloomfield Township                    0702001-004                 $3,000,000                                                              $4,000,000

Ridgewood Village                         0251001-001                 $30,000,000                                                          $40,000,000

Belleville Township                       0701001-008                 $2,676,564                                                              $3,568,752

Livingston Township                     0710001-001                 $9,000,000                                                            $12,000,000

Livingston Township                     0710001-002                 $3,750,000                                                              $5,000,000

Livingston Township                     0710001-003                 $13,500,000                                                          $18,000,000

Waldwick Borough                        0264001-003                 $5,250,000                                                              $7,000,000

Ho-Ho-Kus Borough                     0228001-002                 $3,000,000                                                              $4,000,000

Essex Fells Borough                      0706001-003                 $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Lake Stockholm                              1911002-001                 $1,725,000                                                              $2,300,000

  Systems, Inc.

Brick Township MUA                  1506001-011                 $15,667,500                                                          $20,890,000

East Orange City                            0705001-014                 $24,750,000                                                          $33,000,000

High Bridge Borough                    1014001-004                 $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Newton Town                                  1915001-001                 $600,000                                                                     $800,000

Merchantville Pennsauken          0424001-004                 $6,525,000                                                              $8,700,000

  Water Commission

East Greenwich                               0803001-004                 $4,500,000                                                              $6,000,000

NJ American Water                       2004002-012                 $48,750,000                                                          $65,000,000

  Company, Incorporated

Seaside Heights Borough             1526001-002                 $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Old Bridge MUA                            1209002-014                 $1,312,500                                                              $1,750,000

Hackettstown MUA                       2108001-002                 $757,500                                                                  $1,010,000

Hawthorne Borough                      1604001-003                 $2,100,000                                                              $2,800,000

Brick Township MUA                  1506001-014                 $2,700,000                                                              $3,600,000

NJ American Water                       0323001-005                 $6,375,000                                                              $8,500,000

  Company, Inc.

Verona Township                           0720001-006                 $2,625,000                                                              $3,500,000

Hawthorne Borough                      1604001-002                 $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Upper Deerfield Township          0613004-002                 $3,300,000                                                              $4,400,000

Jersey City MUA                            0906001-025                 $31,500,000                                                          $42,000,000

Willingboro MUA                          0338001-010                 $5,400,000                                                              $7,200,000

Jersey City MUA                            0906001-009                 $3,750,000                                                              $5,000,000

NJ American Water                       0712001-016                 $39,375,000                                                          $52,500,000

  Company, Incorporated

Old Bridge MUA                            1209002-005                 $3,525,000                                                              $4,700,000

Allentown Borough                       1302001-004                 $1,746,720                                                              $2,328,960

Stone Harbor Borough                  0510001-001                 $9,000,000                                                            $12,000,000

Newton Town                                  1915001-003                 $138,750                                                                     $185,000

Hightstown Borough                     1104001-011                 $825,000                                                                  $1,100,000

Hoboken City                                  0905001-003                 $7,500,000                                                            $10,000,000

Berkeley Township MUA            1505323-001                 $1,575,000                                                              $2,100,000

Lakehurst Borough                        1513001-002                 $900,000                                                                  $1,200,000

Shore Water Company                 1505003-001                 $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

North Brunswick Township         1215001-008                 $4,875,000                                                              $6,500,000

Deptford Township MUA            0802001-002                 $1,425,000                                                              $1,900,000

Deptford Township MUA            0802001-003                 $1,275,000                                                              $1,700,000

East Windsor MUA                       1101002-005                 $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Little Egg Harbor MUA               1516001-007                 $1,875,000                                                              $2,500,000

Clinton Town                                  1005001-012                 $2,625,000                                                              $3,500,000

Long Beach Township                  1517001-015                 $3,119,401                                                              $4,159,201

Allentown Borough                       1302001-002                 $411,825                                                                     $549,100

Farmingdale Borough                   1314001-002                 $680,250                                                                     $907,000

Roosevelt Borough                        1314001-003                 $600,000                                                                     $800,000

Roosevelt Borough                        1341001-008                 $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

Robbinsville Township                 1112001-001                 $1,650,000                                                              $2,200,000

Woodland Heights                          1615022-001                 $420,000                                                                     $560,000

  Homeowners Association

Willingboro MUA                          0338001-014                 $2,625,000                                                              $3,500,000

Marlboro Township                       1328002-003                 $1,285,500                                                              $1,714,000

Brookwood Musconetcong          1904001-005                 $750,000                                                                  $1,000,000

  River Property Owners

  Association

Rosemont Water Company         1007002-004                 $75,000                                                                       $100,000

Mount Arlington Borough           1426005-001                 $1,575,000                                                              $2,100,000

Tuckerton Borough                        1532002-001                 $225,000                                                                     $300,000

Willingboro MUA                          0338001-005                 $1,500,000                                                              $2,000,000

Hopatcong Borough                      1912001-004                 $75,000                                                                       $100,000

Lavallette Borough                        1515001-002                 $2,850,000                                                              $3,800,000

Harvey Cedars Borough               1509001-002                 $825,000                                                                  $1,100,000

High Bridge Borough                    1014001-001                 $75,000                                                                       $100,000

Total Projects: 72                                                                 $536,206,510                                                     $714,942,013

 

     c.  The department is authorized to adjust the allowable department loan amount for projects authorized in this section to between zero percent and 100 percent of the total allowable loan amount, and, if the department loan amount is adjusted to 100 percent of the total allowable loan amount, the loan shall be provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of the financing program year in which the construction loan component of the project was certified by the department, and for which the trust issued an interim financing program loan, or, in the absence of an interim financing program loan, the terms and conditions of the State fiscal year 2025 financing program.

 

     4.    Any financing loan made by the department pursuant to this act shall be subject to the following requirements:

     a.     The Commissioner of Environmental Protection has certified that the project is in compliance with the provisions of P.L.1977, c.224, P.L.1985, c.329, P.L.1992, c.88, P.L.1997, c.223, P.L.1997, c.225, or P.L.2003, c.162, and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto;

     b.    Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a loan for an environmental infrastructure project listed in section 2 or 3 of this act shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the financing program year in which the construction loan component of the project was certified by the department, and for which the trust issued an interim financing program loan, or, in the absence of an interim financing program loan, the terms and conditions of the State fiscal year 2025 financing program;

     c.     Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2 and 3 of this act, the department allowable loan amount may be 100 percent of the total allowable loan amount for:

     (1) clean water project and drinking water project loans to (a) municipalities that do not satisfy the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank credit policy but are subject to State financial supervision and oversight pursuant to the "Local Government Supervision Act (1947)," P.L.1947, c.151 (C.52:27BB-1 et seq.), or (b) municipal, county, or regional sewerage authorities, or utilities authorities, that do not satisfy the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank credit policy but where the municipal participant through its service agreement with the authority or utility is under State financial supervision and oversight pursuant to the "Local Government Supervision Act (1947)," P.L.1947, c.151 (C.52:27BB-1 et seq.), and the repayment obligation of the authority or utility is secured by the full faith and credit of the participating municipality pursuant to the service agreement;

     (2) clean water and drinking water loans to municipalities receiving funding under the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR); and

     (3) clean water loans to municipal, county, or regional sewerage authorities that qualify for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse grants for combined sewer overflows or stormwater management projects;

     d.    With the exception of a loan for which the department issues 100 percent of the loan amount pursuant to subsection b. of section 2, subsection c. of section 3, and subsection c. of this section, the loan shall be conditioned upon approval of a loan from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to P.L.2024, c.41; 

     e.     The loan shall be repaid within a period not to exceed 30 years, or 35 years for loans funded pursuant to the federal "Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014," 33 U.S.C. s.3901 et seq. as amended and supplemented, or 45 years for combined sewer overflow abatement projects, of the making of the loan; and

     f.     The loan shall be subject to any other terms and conditions as may be established by the commissioner and approved by the State Treasurer, which may include, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, subordination of a loan authorized in this act to loans made by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to P.L.2024, c.41, or to administrative fees payable to the trust pursuant to subsection o. of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-5).

     g.    Notwithstanding the provisions of any applicable law or regulation to the contrary, drinking water projects may be funded by the “Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund” established pursuant to section 14 of the “Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Bond Act of 1985,” P.L.1985, c.302. Drinking water projects financed by the Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund shall be funded in accordance with the regulations applicable to the financing of wastewater projects by the Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund unless and until regulations specific to the financing of drinking water projects are promulgated.

 

     5.    Any Sandy financing loan made by the department pursuant to this act shall be subject to the following requirements:

     a.     The commissioner has certified that the project is in compliance with the provisions of Title X, Chapter 7 of the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act;

     b.    The commissioner has certified that the project is in compliance with the provisions of P.L.1977, c.224, P.L.1985, c.329, P.L.1992, c.88, P.L.1997, c.223, P.L.1997, c.225, or P.L.2003, c.162, and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and

     c.     The loan shall be subject to any other terms and conditions as may be established by the commissioner and approved by the State Treasurer, which may include, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, subordination of a loan authorized in this act to loans made by the trust pursuant to P.L.2024, c.41, or to administrative fees payable to the trust pursuant to subsection o. of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-5).

 

     6.    The eligibility lists and authorization for the making of loans pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this act shall expire on July 1, 2025, and any project sponsor which has not executed and delivered a loan agreement with the department for a loan authorized in this act shall no longer be entitled to that loan.

 

     7.    The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is authorized to reduce or increase the individual amount of loan funds made available to or on behalf of project sponsors pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this act based upon final or low-bid building costs defined in and determined in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1985, c.329, section 2 of P.L.1999, c.362 (C.58:12A-12.2), or section 5 of P.L.1981, c.261, provided that the total loan amount does not exceed the estimated total allowable loan amount.  The commissioner is authorized to reduce or increase the individual amount of loan funds made available to or on behalf of project sponsors pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this act in an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the total allowable loan amount based upon additional project costs to comply with the department's guidance for asset management, emergency response, flood protection, and auxiliary power.

 

     8.    The expenditure of the funds appropriated by this act is subject to the provisions and conditions of P.L.1977, c.224, P.L.1985, c.302, P.L.1985, c.329, P.L.1989, c.181, P.L.1992, c.88, P.L.1997, c.223, P.L.1997, c.225, or P.L.2003, c.162, and the rules and regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection pursuant thereto, and the provisions of the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto.

 

     9.    The department shall provide general technical assistance to any project sponsor requesting assistance regarding environmental infrastructure project development or applications for funds for a project.

 

     10. a. Prior to repayment to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund pursuant to sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2009, c.77 and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto, prior to repayment to the "Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 16 of P.L.1985, c.329, prior to repayment to the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 28 of P.L.1992, c.88, prior to repayment to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, prior to repayment to the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 15 of P.L.1989, c.181, prior to repayment to the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 20 of P.L.2003, c.162, prior to repayment to the "Water Supply Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 15 of P.L.1981, c.261, or prior to the repayment to the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.302, repayments of loans made pursuant to these acts may be utilized by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank established pursuant to P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-1 et seq.), as amended and supplemented by P.L.1997, c.224, under terms and conditions established by the commissioner and trust, approved by the State Treasurer, and consistent with the provisions of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-1 et seq.) and federal tax, environmental or securities law, to the extent necessary to secure repayment of trust bonds issued to finance loans approved pursuant to P.L.2024, c.41, and to secure the administrative fees payable to the trust pursuant to subsection o. of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-5) by the project sponsors receiving trust loans.

     b.    Prior to repayment to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund pursuant to section 1 and 2 of P.L.2009, c.77 and any amendatory and supplementary acts thereto, prior to repayment to the "Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 16 of P.L.1985, c.329, prior to repayment to the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 28 of P.L.1992, c.88, prior to repayment to the "Water Supply Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 15 of P.L.1981, c.261, prior to repayment to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, prior to repayment to the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 20 of P.L.2003, c.162, prior to repayment to the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 15 of P.L.1989, c.181, or prior to repayment to the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund" pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.302, the trust is further authorized to utilize repayments of loans made pursuant to P.L.1989, c.189, P.L.1990, c.99, P.L.1991, c.325, P.L.1992, c.38, P.L.1993, c.193, P.L.1994, c.106, P.L.1995, c.219, P.L.1996, c.85, P.L.1997, c.221, P.L.1998, c.84, P.L.1999, c.174, P.L.2000, c.92, P.L.2001, c.222, P.L.2002, c.70, P.L.2003, c.158, P.L.2004, c.109, P.L.2005, c.196, P.L.2006, c.68, P.L.2007, c.139, P.L.2008, c.68, P.L.2009, c.102, P.L.2010, c.63, P.L.2011, c.93, P.L.2012, c.43, P.L.2013, c.95, P.L.2014, c.25, P.L.2015, c.108, P.L.2016, c.32, P.L.2017, c.143, as amended by P.L.2017, c.326, P.L.2018, c.85, as amended by P.L.2018, c.137, P.L.2019, c.12, P.L.2019, c.193, as amended by P.L.2019, c.514, P.L.2020, c.49, as amended by P.L.2021, c.21, P.L.2021, c.203, as amended by P.L.2021, c.328, P.L.2022, c.99, as amended by P.L.2023, c.6, P.L.2023, c.120, as amended by P.L.2023, c.344, or P.L.2024, c.35 to secure repayment of trust bonds issued to finance loans approved pursuant to P.L.1995, c.218, P.L.1996, c.87, P.L.1997, c.222, P.L.1998, c.85, P.L.1999, c.173, P.L.2000, c.93, P.L.2001, c.224, P.L.2002, c.71, P.L.2003, c.159, P.L.2004, c.110, P.L.2005, c.197, P.L.2006, c.67, P.L.2007, c.140, P.L.2008, c.67, P.L.2009, c.101, P.L.2010, c.62, P.L.2011, c.95, P.L.2012, c.38, P.L.2013, c.94, P.L.2014, c.26, P.L.2015, c.107, P.L.2016, c.31, P.L.2017, c.142, as amended by P.L.2017, c.327, P.L.2018, c.84, as amended by P.L.2019, c.30, P.L.2019, c.192, as amended by P.L.2019, c.515, P.L.2020, c.48, as amended by P.L.2021, c.22, P.L.2021, c.204, as amended by P.L.2021, c.316, P.L.2022, c.100, as amended by P.L.2023, c.5, P.L.2023, c.119, as amended by P.L.2023, c.343, or P.L.2024, c.41, and to secure the administrative fees payable to the trust under these loans pursuant to subsection o. of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-5).

     c.     To the extent that any loan repayment sums are used to satisfy any trust bond repayment or administrative fee payment deficiencies, the trust shall repay such sums to the department for deposit into the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the "Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "Water Supply Fund," the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund," or the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Fund," as appropriate, from amounts received by or on behalf of the trust from project sponsors causing any such deficiency.

 

     11.  The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is authorized to enter into capitalization grant agreements as may be required pursuant to the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, or the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

 

     12.  There is appropriated to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank established pursuant to P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-1 et seq.) from repayments of loans and interest deposited in any account, on or before June 30, 2025, including the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund," the "1992 Wastewater Treatment Fund," the "Water Supply Fund," the "Stormwater Management and Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Fund," the "2003 Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Fund," or the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as appropriate, and from any net earnings received from the investment and reinvestment of such deposits, such sums as the chairperson or secretary of the trust shall certify to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to be necessary and appropriate for deposit into one or more reserve funds or accounts established by the trust pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-11).

 

     13.  There is appropriated to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank established pursuant to P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-1 et seq.), funds from the Federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act deposited in any account including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the "Water Supply Fund," or the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as appropriate, funds transferred by the department to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank pursuant to paragraph (21) of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.2024, c.35, and funds from any net earnings received from the investment and reinvestment of such deposits, such sums as the chairperson of the trust certifies to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to be necessary and appropriate for deposit into one or more reserve funds or accounts established by the trust pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-11).

 

     14.  This act shall take effect immediately.

 

     Approved July 10, 2024.