Bill > A5014

This bill establishes a new program to support farm roadway improvements in New Jersey by creating the "Local Farm Roadway Improvement Fund" and allowing counties and municipalities to apply for financial assistance from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for specific transportation projects. The bill defines a "farm" as land used for commercial agriculture of at least five acres, and a "slow moving vehicle" as a vehicle registered under specific state regulations. Qualifying farm roadway improvement projects must be designed to reduce traffic congestion in farming communities, such as expanding road shoulders or creating areas where slow moving vehicles can pull over to let faster traffic pass. The DOT will determine which roadways qualify based on the frequency of slow moving vehicle usage that disrupts normal traffic flow. The department can approve applications on a rolling basis and provide financial assistance through grants or loans, subject to available funding. The bill also amends existing transportation funding laws to specifically set aside money for this new farm roadway improvement initiative, ensuring that counties and municipalities can receive support for projects that help agricultural communities maintain safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5014