SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3887

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 22, 2025

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3887.

      This bill, as amended by the committee, would require the Department of Environmental Protection to construct, cause to be constructed, or enter into long-term contracts with the owners of private marinas to provide for, public boat access to any State-owned or county-owned lake or reservoir at which boats with or without onboard motors are allowed.  Any contract entered into with an owner of a private marina would be subject to a public bidding process.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments to the bill:

      (1) provide that the bill applies to reservoirs, in addition to lakes;

      (2) provide that the bill applies to lakes and reservoirs owned by counties, in addition to the State;

      (3) remove the $2 million appropriation from the bill; and

      (4) update the bill’s title and synopsis.