ASSEMBLY SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3081

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 1, 2026

      The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 3081.

      As amended and reported, this bill, entitled the “High Tech Culvert and Drainage Mapping Act,” requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with the Department of Transportation and local government units, to establish a program for the DEP to survey and map stormwater infrastructure across New Jersey using drones and LIDAR.

      Under the bill, the DEP is required to prioritize mapping efforts in local government units with aging, undocumented, or vulnerable infrastructure.  The data collected is to be stored in a centralized geospatial database and shared with relevant State, county, and municipal entities.  The DEP is also required to report annually on progress made and areas still needing to be mapped.  The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may use existing funds or pursue federal funding to implement the program.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended this bill to: 

      (1)  standardize references to local government units throughout the bill; and

      (2)  make technical changes.