Bill > A5994

This bill, titled the "High Tech Culvert and Drainage Mapping Act," requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a comprehensive stormwater infrastructure mapping program using advanced technologies like drones and LIDAR (light detection and ranging, a laser-based mapping technique). The bill recognizes that many local governments, especially older communities, lack accurate records of stormwater infrastructure such as culverts, drains, and underground pipes, which hampers flood prevention, emergency response, and infrastructure maintenance. The DEP will coordinate with the Department of Transportation, counties, and local government units to survey and map stormwater infrastructure across New Jersey, prioritizing areas with aging or undocumented systems. The collected data will be stored in a centralized geospatial database accessible to relevant government entities. The DEP must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing the areas surveyed, data collected, and regions still requiring mapping. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is authorized to use existing funds or seek federal grants to implement the program, and the department must adopt necessary regulations to support the initiative. The bill aims to improve the state's ability to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and plan infrastructure upgrades through comprehensive, high-resolution mapping.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5994