Bill > A1960

This bill authorizes municipalities in New Jersey to enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) with private entities for the construction, reconstruction, repair, alteration, improvement, or extension of water supply infrastructure, or the management and operation of a water supply facility. Under these PPP agreements, the private entity can assume full financial and administrative responsibility for the project, while the municipality retains ownership of the land and the water supply facility. The bill also allows municipalities to lease the operation of a water supply facility to a private entity in exchange for financing by the private entity for water supply infrastructure improvements. The private entity would be responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the facility, and would receive some or all of the revenue generated, subject to the agreement. The bill exempts these PPP projects from certain procurement and contracting requirements, as well as from property taxation, provided the project is owned by or leased to a public entity, non-profit business entity, or a business entity wholly owned by a non-profit. The bill also requires the use of project labor agreements and prevailing wage rates for construction workers, and mandates the submission of all proposed projects to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for review and approval.

Transportation and Infrastructure