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Bill

S 4428

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 Shirley Turner

Creates an NJ EDA grant program to help businesses offset increased costs caused by emergency bridge projects, funded with $1 million.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4428

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Session: 222
  • Bill number: S 4428
  • Title: Establishes EDA grant program to support increased business expenses incurred by certain businesses impacted by emergency bridge projects; appropriates $1 million
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor not listed; co-sponsor noted: Shirley Turner

Purpose and Intent

The bill establishes a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) grant program designed to help certain businesses offset elevated operating costs and expenses that arise specifically because of emergency bridge projects in their area. The aim is to mitigate negative economic impacts on affected businesses during and after emergency bridge construction or repair activities.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of EDA Grant Program
    • The bill establishes a new grant program within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
    • Target recipients: Businesses impacted by emergency bridge projects (e.g., construction, detours, access limitations) that create increased operating costs or other expenses.
  • Eligible Expenses
    • Grants are intended to cover increased expenses directly attributable to the emergency bridge project. This may include costs such as security, amplified logistics, overtime wages, supply chain adjustments, temporary access measures, and other defensible costs tied to the project.
  • Funding Allocation
    • The act appropriates $1,000,000 for the program.
    • Funding is to be administered by the EDA according to criteria set forth in the bill.
  • Application and Award Process
    • The bill likely outlines application procedures, eligibility verification, and grant award criteria (e.g., demonstration of increased expenses, project timing, and impact on business operations). Specific deadlines and documentation requirements would be defined in the final text.
  • Grant Period and Compliance
    • Recipients may be required to use funds for eligible expenses within a defined period and comply with reporting or audit requirements to ensure funds are used for their intended purpose.
  • Administrative Provisions
    • The EDA would administer the program, set guidelines, monitor performance, and provide oversight to ensure appropriate use of funds.

Affected Entities

  • Directly Affected: Businesses operating in areas impacted by emergency bridge projects that experience increased costs due to construction, detours, access restrictions, or related disruptions.
  • Indirectly Affected: Local economies and communities surrounding affected bridges, by potentially stabilizing business activity and preserving employment during project periods.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Funding Source: State appropriations totaling $1 million allocated to the EDA for this program.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill would require promulgation of program rules, application periods, and rollout by the EDA after enactment. Specific dates for applications, eligibility windows, and grant disbursement would be determined by the EDA’s rulemaking and the bill’s implementing provisions.
  • Reporting and Accountability: Likely includes ongoing reporting requirements and post-award audits to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Economic Relief: Provides targeted support to businesses facing elevated costs due to critical infrastructure projects, potentially reducing closures and preserving local employment.
  • Equity and Access: Depending on criteria, could prioritize small businesses or those with higher exposure to project-related disruptions.
  • Administrative Burden: Businesses will need to prepare applications and documentation; the EDA will bear administration and oversight responsibilities.
  • Long-Term Outcomes: By mitigating short-term financial strain, the program may help communities maintain vitality and resilience during infrastructure emergencies.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing NJ EDA programs or provide a plain-language summary of the eligibility criteria once the full text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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