Bill > S3887

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access to State-owned and county-owned lakes and reservoirs within two years of the act's enactment. Specifically, the DEP must either construct boat access points directly or enter into long-term contracts with private marina owners through a public bidding process to create these access points for boats with or without motors. If the DEP cannot establish public boat access to a particular lake or reservoir, the commissioner must submit a detailed report to the Governor and Legislature explaining why access cannot be provided. If the inability to provide access is due to insufficient funding, the report must outline the precise financial requirements needed. The bill originally included a $2 million appropriation from the General Fund to support these efforts, but that funding provision has been removed in the final version. The act will take effect immediately upon enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3887