NEW JERSEY– Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia’s bill funding over a dozen dam restoration and repair projects in the state was signed into law on Tuesday.
The measure (A3951/S2594) taps into $28.7 million in unused funds from a 1992 clean water bond and a 2003 flood control bond to finance the costs of 17 dam restoration and repair projects. It was first introduced in 2022 by Republicans, but it didn’t move in the Democrat-controlled Legislature until members of the majority party decided to sponsor it in 2024.
“It is inexplicable that this legislation has not moved sooner – specific dams pose serious threats to public safety and environmental stability. We cannot afford to wait when lives and livelihoods are at stake,” Fantasia (R-Sussex) said. “Maintaining dams by performing the proper repairs is the best way to protect our residents, businesses and natural assets.”
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Dam Safety, there are 1,730 regulated dams in New Jersey, many of which are concentrated in the northern and central parts of the state. Nearly half of the dams are privately owned.
The new law allows owners of private dams and lake associations to work with local governments to receive the loans to carry out the repairs.
“Sussex County is home to the most dams in New Jersey. We also have a large portion of dams that would cause significant destruction and economic losses if they were to fail,” Fantasia said. “Although New Jersey has been largely fortunate to be spared from catastrophic dam failures, even small failures can cause damage that come with hefty cleanup costs.”
While New Jersey has not been included in any FEMA disaster declarations directly related to dam failures, six dams failed and 51 were damaged during 2011’s Tropical Storm Irene. That storm resulted in the largest coastal evacuation in state history, over $760 million in property damage, and the loss of 12 lives.
“Our lakes and reservoirs enhance the beauty of New Jersey by providing unmatched recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats,” Fantasia said. “This funding ensures that necessary repairs can proceed without delay, using resources already available. Investments like this represent a commitment to preserving our way of life and ensuring our infrastructure can weather future storms.”
