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A 3081

Requires DEP to establish program to map stormwater infrastructure.

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

Establish a statewide program to map stormwater infrastructure using drone/LIDAR, store data in a centralized database, and share it with state and local governments to improve flo

Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3081

Summary: A 3081 (High Tech Culvert and Drainage Mapping Act)

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a statewide program led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with the Department of Transportation and local government units, to survey and map stormwater infrastructure using drone and LIDAR technology.
  • Address gaps in accurate records of stormwater systems (culverts, drains, underground pipes, channels) that hinder flood prevention, emergency response, and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Create a centralized geospatial database of stormwater infrastructure to improve management, prioritization, and planning for upgrades and flood mitigation.

Key provisions

  1. Program establishment and leadership

    • DEP, in coordination with DOT, counties, and local government units, must establish and implement a program to survey and map stormwater infrastructure statewide using drone and LIDAR technology.
    • The program prioritizes areas with aging, undocumented, or vulnerable infrastructure.

  2. Definitions

    • Clarifies terms: “Department” (DEP), “Stormwater infrastructure,” “LIDAR,” and “Local government unit.”

  3. Data management

    • All data collected under the program will be stored in a centralized geospatial database maintained by DEP.
    • Data must be accessible to relevant state, county, and municipal entities.

  4. Reporting requirements

    • Within one year after implementation (and annually thereafter), DEP must submit reports to the Governor and the Legislature detailing:
      • Areas surveyed
      • Data collected
      • Regions needing further surveying and mapping

  5. Funding and implementation authority

    • DEP Commissioner can expend existing administrative and discretionary grant/aid funds or apply for federal grants/appropriations to implement the act.

  6. Rulemaking authority

    • DEP must adopt regulations necessary to implement the act, under the Administrative Procedure Act.

  7. Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Primary participants: New Jersey DEP, Department of Transportation, counties, and local government units (cities, towns, and their agencies or authorities).
  • Beneficiaries: State and local governments and the public, through improved flood prevention, emergency response, and infrastructure planning.
  • Indirectly affected: Contractors, consultants, and technology providers involved in drone/LIDAR surveying and geospatial data management.

Timelines and procedural aspects

  • Implementation: Program to survey and map stormwater infrastructure to be established and put into operation after enactment.
  • Initial reporting: Within one year of implementation, DEP must produce a baseline report; ongoing annual reports with progress and ongoing needs.
  • Regulatory framework: DEP to adopt necessary rules and regulations via the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Funding: Congresses through DEP’s existing accounts or federal funding sources to support implementation.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Improves accuracy and currency of stormwater records, enabling better flood risk assessment and targeted infrastructure investments.
  • Enables data-driven prioritization of maintenance and upgrades, especially in aging communities.
  • Creates a centralized, shareable data resource across state and local governments, potentially improving coordination and emergency response.
  • Requires upfront investment in technology, data standards, and interjurisdictional data-sharing protocols.

Overall, the bill aims to modernize and standardize stormwater infrastructure mapping in New Jersey through high-tech surveying, with a transparent and accountable reporting framework and flexible funding options.

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

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