WeVote
Log In

Bill

SH

Bill

A 3079

Establishes "Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program" in DEP; appropriates $1 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a 3-year pilot granting funds to local governments for smart stormwater sensors in flood-prone areas to enable real-time monitoring and flood alerts.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3079

Overview

A 3079 (Session 222, New Jersey) establishes a three-year pilot program called the Smart Stormwater Sensor Pilot Program administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The program funds the purchase, installation, and operation of smart stormwater sensors in storm drains and flood-prone infrastructure, with a $1 million General Fund appropriation to support grants, administration, and reporting.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve flood risk management through real-time monitoring and early flood alerts.
  • Enhance community preparedness by providing timely information to residents and agencies.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating smart sensor technology into New Jersey’s stormwater systems, with a view toward potential expansion or permanent adoption.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:

    • Smart Stormwater Sensor: a high-technology water detection system embedded in stormwater infrastructure capable of real-time monitoring (water velocity, level, etc.), communication, management, analysis, control, and flood alert notifications.
    • Stormwater and Stormwater Management System: broad definitions covering water from precipitation, runoff, and related infrastructure and practices.

  • Program establishment (Section 2):

    • Creation of a three-year pilot program to issue grants to local government units for smart sensor installation and operation.
    • DEP must adopt implementing rules within 12 months, including:
    • Real-time water level monitoring.
    • Flood alert capabilities to residents and agencies.
    • Additional program-necessary criteria.

  • Grant process and eligibility (Section 3):

    • DEP to create a grant application process with transparent eligibility and ranking criteria, published on the DEP website within 12 months.
    • Grants may fund partial or full purchase, installation, and operation of sensors in stormwater systems and other flood-prone infrastructure.
    • DEP to set a maximum grant amount and aim for geographic distribution across the state.
    • Local government unit application requirements include:
    • Location in FEMA flood zones and State Flood Hazard Areas.
    • Tidal Climate Adjusted Flood Elevation.
    • Detailed flood response plan and history/frequency of flooding.
    • Stormwater sensor specifications (sensitivity) and budget for design/construction.
    • Compliance with permits and approvals.
    • Maintenance responsibilities rest with the local government unless otherwise funded.
    • DEP may suspend or revoke grants for noncompliance.

  • Reporting and evaluation (Section 4):

    • DEP must report every 36 months (and annually thereafter for the pilot duration) to the Governor and Legislature.
    • Reports to cover effectiveness, recipient and geographic distribution, installation/maintenance challenges, improvement recommendations, and considerations for expansion or permanent program adoption.

  • Appropriation and effectiveness (Section 5-6):

    • $1,000,000 General Fund appropriation to DEP for grants and reporting.
    • Act takes effect immediately.

Who is affected

  • Local government units (counties, municipalities, and related agencies) are eligible to apply for grants to fund smart stormwater sensors.
  • DEP administers the program, adopts rules, evaluates applications, issues grants, and reports on outcomes.
  • Residents and local agencies in flood-prone areas may benefit from real-time flood alerts and improved flood risk management.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Rules implementing the act must be adopted within 12 months of enactment.
  • Grant application process and eligibility criteria must be published within 12 months.
  • The pilot runs for three years, with formal evaluations submitted every 36 months and ongoing annual reporting during the pilot.
  • The act is effective immediately upon enactment.

Potential impact

  • Advances flood risk reduction through technology-enabled monitoring and alerting.
  • Provides a structured funding mechanism for local governments to modernize drainage and flood infrastructure.
  • Creates a data-driven framework to assess scalability and cost-effectiveness of smart stormwater sensors statewide.

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

Sign in to ask a question.