This week, Commissioner LaTourette of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) testified before both the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees on the SFY2025 proposed budget.
Commissioner LaTourette highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the DEP and discussed Governor Murphy’s SFY2025 proposed budget allocation of $491 million for the DEP, which represents a decrease of $21 million from the previous fiscal year. This reduction is primarily due to the expiration of several one-time appropriations in SFY2024.
Following his testimony, the Commissioner responded to questions about municipal concerns related to the budget plan.
Assembly Hearing
Stormwater and River Flooding. Commissioner LaTourette noted that municipalities could enhance their climate resilience planning, protecting parks and preventing stormwater and river flooding. Plans can be used to develop strategies to identify areas most vulnerable to such risks and improve infrastructure accordingly.
Stormwater Management. Commissioner LaTourette stated that the best way for municipalities to handle this issue is to regionalize stormwater management infrastructure but noted that this would be difficult to implement.
Senate Hearing
Stormwater Management Costs. Municipalities, particularly rural communities, face challenges in complying with stormwater management costs, especially with few grants available. Commissioner LaTourette noted that the DEP actively engages local governments regarding services and grants available for stormwater management and flooding resolution. The Commissioner mentioned that these projects are expensive, often exceeding $10 million. To assist communities, the DEP will utilize the state revolving fund, offering loans at a 0% interest rate with loan forgiveness over time to make these projects more affordable.
COAH-Related Residential Development Expansion Impacts. Commissioner LaTourette noted the DEP had consulted with both the Governor's Office and legislative members prior to the bill's passage. If the expansion of residential development adheres properly to the legal guidance and regulatory framework, he added, there should be minimal cause for concern.
For more information on the SFY 2025 budget please see our DEP blog post.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.