The State Legislature recently took action on several measures that would impact our industry before they recessed for the summer. UTCA has been monitoring a number of bills and actively engaging with lawmakers on these and other important issues.
Here are some updates on legislation that may be of interest to UTCA members:
S-2023 (State Budget) Appropriates $51 billion in state and federal funds for Fiscal Year 2022-23
The budget process resulted in the appropriation of an additional $800 million for infrastructure projects. This includes $300 million for water infrastructure that UTCA worked directly with our labor partners, the Operating Engineers and the Laborers, to have allocated from the COVID relief funds.
This funding is on top of the monies allocated to New Jersey in the IIJA and other State capital programs.
In addition, we are pleased to report that an additional $900,000 was appropriated for staff at the Infrastructure Bank.
Status: Budget signed by the Governor.
UTCA was monitoring the Budget and associated legislation and advocated for additional infrastructure funding.
S-2909 Allows DOT to compensate contractors and subcontractors for price escalations, appropriates $10 million.
Status: Passed both houses, on Governor’s desk.
UTCA worked directly with the NJDOT and legislators to address cost escalation and supported this bill’s passage. In addition, we are working with lawmakers to craft legislation to expand this program. UTCA thanks Senator Patrick Diegnan, chairman of the Transportation Committee, for his efforts and cooperation in working closely with UTCA staff on this matter.
S-2944 Credits $5.2 billion to New Jersey’s Debt Defeasance Fund; appropriates $2.9 billion to state agencies, including $230 million to NJ DOT to support capital projects.
Status: Passed both houses, on the Governor’s desk.
UTCA supported this legislation.
S-2943 Increases the spending limits of the Transportation Trust Fund Authority by $600 million.
Status: Passed both houses, on the Governor’s desk.
UTCA supported this bill.
S-2870 (Dirty Dirt) Delays the deadline for contractors who perform soil remediation services to 30 days after the DEP has adopted regulations.
Status: Passed both houses, on the Governor’s desk.
UTCA was involved in efforts to amend this bill to push back the registration deadline from July 14, 2022.
S-287 (Green Concrete) Provides CBT and Income Tax credits to producers and suppliers of low-carbon concrete.
Status: Passed Senate.
UTCA worked with industry partners and the bill sponsor to change this measure from its initial form which required this material be used.
S-2770/S-2734/S-2735 Allocates funding through New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for Transportation and Water Infrastructure projects.
Status: Passed both houses, on the Governor’s desk.
UTCA supported these bills.
S-2841 Increases minimum commercial vehicle insurance liability coverage to $1.5 million.
Status: Approved by Senate Commerce Committee, not scheduled for a vote.
UTCA opposed this measure.
Please contact Ryan Sharpe if you have any questions about these or any other legislative matters.