Bill
Bill > A5992
NJ A5992
NJ A5992Establishes "Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program" in DEP; appropriates $1 million.
summary
Introduced
11/17/2025
11/17/2025
In Committee
11/17/2025
11/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (department) to establish the "Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program" through which counties and municipalities may cause to be installed smart sensors in storm drains and flood prone infrastructure. This program aims to reduce flood risks and enhance community preparedness through real-time monitoring and early warning capabilities. In order to facilitate this pilot program, the bill requires the department to establish a grant program to distribute funding to applicant local government units. A local government electing to participate in the program is to submit to the department an application that meets specific criteria outlined in the bill, including requirements that stormwater management sensors monitor water levels in real time and alert local residents and agencies to possible flood events. Upon review of applications, and subject to the availability of funds, the department will award grants funds equitably to approved applicants. Further, the bill requires the department to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature evaluating the effectiveness of the program in monitoring water levels and providing timely flood alerts; summarizing grant recipients and the geographic distribution of installed sensors; analyzing challenges encountered during installation, operation, and maintenance; recommending program improvements; and providing considerations for the potential expansion or permanent adoption of a smart stormwater sensor program. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the department to implement the provisions of the bill. The appropriation would finance application review, grant awards, and program outcome reports.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a three-year "Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program" through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to help local governments reduce flood risks by installing advanced sensors in storm drains and flood-prone infrastructure. The program will provide grants to counties and municipalities to purchase, install, and operate "smart stormwater sensors" that can monitor water levels in real-time and send flood alerts to residents and local agencies. To participate, local government units must submit detailed applications that include information about their flood zone, flood history, and proposed sensor system, with the DEP reviewing and equitably distributing grants based on specific criteria. The sensors are designed to provide advanced monitoring capabilities, tracking water velocity, levels, and other hydraulic conditions to help communities better prepare for and respond to potential flooding events. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to support the program, and requires the DEP to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature evaluating the program's effectiveness, analyzing challenges, and providing recommendations for potential future expansion. The pilot program aims to enhance community resilience and flood preparedness through innovative technology and strategic sensor deployment.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Hearing (14:00:00 12/4/2025 Committee Room 13, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ) (on 12/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5992 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5992_I1.HTM |
Loading...