Establishes EDA grant program to support increased business expenses incurred by certain businesses impacted by emergency bridge projects; appropriates $1 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

NJ A-5256 would create an EDA grants program (with $1M) to help businesses cover extra costs from emergency bridge projects and keep operations running.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee

Bill overview

New Jersey Assembly Bill A-5256 (Session 222) proposes creating a grants program administered by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to help certain businesses cover increased operating expenses resulting from emergency bridge projects. The bill also appropriates $1 million to support this program.

Purpose and intent

To assist businesses that incur elevated costs during the construction, repair, or rehabilitation of emergency bridge projects.

To mitigate negative financial impacts on nearby or directly affected firms by providing targeted financial relief.

To support continued business operations and economic activity in areas experiencing disruption due to bridge-related emergencies.

Key provisions

Establishment of an EDA grant program:

The EDA would administer a grant program specifically for increased business expenses attributable to emergency bridge projects.
Grants are intended to offset additional costs to maintain operations, attract customers, or otherwise address economic disruption caused by the bridge work.

Funding:

The program is appropriated $1,000,000 for its implementation and grant awards.

Eligible recipients and criteria (to be detailed in the bill or by rulemaking):

Likely to include businesses located in or near areas affected by emergency bridge projects.
Eligible costs may include utilities, security, additional staffing, temporary facilities, marketing to maintain patronage, and other ordinary and necessary business expenses directly tied to the bridge project disruption.
The exact eligibility criteria, application process, grant size limits, and performance reporting requirements would be defined in the bill’s text and/or subsequent regulations.

Administration:

The EDA would oversee application intake, eligibility determinations, grant awards, and oversight to ensure funding is used for the intended purpose.

Who would be affected

Small and medium-sized businesses located in communities impacted by emergency bridge projects.

Businesses experiencing increased expenses (e.g., utilities, security, cleanup, modifications, marketing) due to construction activity, access changes, or traffic disruption associated with the bridge projects.

Local economies in affected corridors or neighborhoods could benefit indirectly through sustained operations and employment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral:

Introduced on 2026-06-15.
Referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Sponsorship:

Co-sponsored by Assembly member Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.

Next steps (typical for this process):

Committee consideration, potential amendments, and votes.
If advanced, floor consideration in the Assembly and potential companion actions in the Senate (not specified in the provided summary).
Final enactment would require passage and signature (or veto override) consistent with New Jersey legislative procedures.

Notes

The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and provisions as of the provided action history. The actual statutory language will detail eligible costs, grant caps, matching requirements (if any), reporting, audit, and compliance provisions, as well as any sunset or renewal conditions for the program.

The $1 million appropriation indicates a targeted, relatively modest program size; the impact will depend on grant amounts and the number of eligible recipients.