Bill > A2621

Introduced Session

This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a program to provide grants to municipalities to address storm flooding, in consultation with the Department of Transportation. The program would establish a grant program for municipalities to assist with flood risk assessments, flood mitigation measures, emergency preparedness, public awareness, and sustainable development. With available information and data about municipal level of need, the DEP would develop guidelines and procedures for the submission of applications by municipalities to receive a grant from the program, establish criteria by which municipalities may qualify for the program, determine prioritization methods for assistance to municipalities in the greatest need, such as for flood mitigation projects located in overburdened communities, designate acceptable uses for grant funds, and select recipients for grant awards under the program. Through the grant program, the department will provide tools and resources to allow municipalities to identify high-risk flood areas, support structural and non-structural solutions to reduce flood impacts, equip municipalities with training, tools, and protocols for flood emergencies, and encourage land-use planning that minimizes flood risks and promotes resilient infrastructure. These tools, resources, protocols, and supports may include geographic information system-based mapping tools (such as the DEP's flood indicator map), vulnerability assessments, available resources on sources of sea level rise, flood hazard, and flood management planning, technical assistance, and funding for design of sustainable stormwater management systems (such as retention basins, living or nature-based shorelines, dikes, coastal barriers, stormwater management basins, polders, weirs, and permeable pavements). Under the bill, the DEP would determine the application procedures and criteria for evaluating applications. The DEP would include in the annual budget request a sufficient sum to carry out the purposes and objectives of the act. Municipalities would be required to submit reports to the DEP relating to its use of grant funds and progress in achieving its goals. Additionally, the DEP would file an annual report with the Governor and Legislature on the effectiveness of the grant program in accomplishing its flood management objectives.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Carmen Morales (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document