February 17, 2023

State Issues

NJDEP Announces Grants to Assist with New MS4 Permit Requirements

The NJDEP has announced the availability of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Full details will be available March 3.

Read more: NJDEP Announces Grants to Assist with New MS4 Permit Requirements

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137. 

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

A bill meant to increase participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was advanced through Senate committee this week. While the League initially opposed S-3333, amendments were made allowing us to now support the bill.

Read more: Senate Committee Advances Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

NJ Attorney General Updates Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy

This week, New Jersey Attorney General Platkin issued a revised Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy that includes necessary updates to account for legalized cannabis consumption and sales.

Read more: NJ Attorney General Updates Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137. 

Appropriation Cap Workbook Available

The Division of Local Government Services has updated the Levy Cap workbook to include the appropriation cap exemptions granted at the February 8 Local Finance Board meeting.

Read more: Appropriation Cap Workbook Available

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Division Issues Guidance on the Transitional Aid Application Process – Deadline March 3

DLGS has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-3 providing guidance on the process for calendar year Transitional Aid, which includes mandatory notification of intent to apply & orientation for new municipalities who wish to apply for transitional aid.

Read more: Division Issues Guidance on the Transitional Aid Application Process – Deadline March 3

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116. 

Federal Issues

Prepare for FY 2024 EPA Brownfield Grants

New Jersey Institute of Technology recently hosted an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfield grant webinar in preparation for the FY2024 Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), and Cleanup (MARC) application process.

Read more: Prepare for FY 2024 EPA Brownfield Grants

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Treasury Contact Center Reopens in Advance of ARP P&E Deadline

Starting on February 21 the contact centers for the SLFRF, Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund, Homeowner Assistance Fund, and Emergency Rental Assistance program will reopen.

Read more: Treasury Contact Center Reopens in Advance of ARP P&E Deadline

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest 

Meeting of League Hometown Security Task Force

The New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Hometown Security Task Force will meet for the first time since the start of the pandemic for an update on issues and concerns impacting member municipalities.

The Task Force is chaired by Hope President Tim McDonough, Past President of the League. The event is open to Task Force members and interested New Jersey Mayors. 

The meeting will be hosted by AT&T at its network disaster recovery facility in Burlington County and include a public safety forum featuring FirstNet. 

Date:         Friday, March 3, 2023.   

Time:        10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location:  Address will be provided after registration.

The event will include guest speakers from AT&T on FirstNet, two representatives from the New Jersey State Police on current priorities and policies, an update from the NJ Office of Homeland Security, a provided working lunch, a tour of the facility and more. 

Attendance is limited so please register online as soon as possible. 

Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.

League Lunch & Learn: USDA Rural Development Grants Opportunity

On Thursday, March 16 at noon, Jane Asselta, New Jersey State Director for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be the featured speaker in the latest League Lunch and Learn.

Read more: League Lunch & Learn: USDA Rural Development Grants Opportunity

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.