12:6B-1 - Findings, declarations relative to dredging, dredged material disposal
12:6B-1 Findings, declarations relative to dredging, dredged material disposal1. The Legislature finds and declares that the existence of deep water ports in both the northern and southern sections of the State have been of critical importance to the economy and growth of the region since the colonial era; that the combination of the natural silting of New Jersey's harbor areas and the building of larger oceangoing vessels that require greater water depth has resulted in a reduction of the volume of maritime commerce in the region, resulting in a loss of jobs and the potential elimination of the Port of New York and New Jersey's present status as the primary port on the Eastern seaboard; that many of these port waters contain harmful contaminants that upset the ecological balance and threaten the environment, and that must be disposed of in the most cost-efficient manner possible, using the most up-to-date technology including the possible creation of a usable end product; and that the voters, in November 1996, overwhelmingly approved a bond issue for the dredging of New Jersey's navigation channels.
The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the public interest that the port dredging and dredged material disposal projects proceed as expeditiously and efficiently as possible, and that the monies approved by the voters for this purpose be used effectively; that it is necessary for the State to establish an administrative procedure to set priorities for dredging projects in accordance with their economic benefit to the State, and their relative potential to bring about economic growth through enhanced maritime commerce, to retain existing jobs and create new ones, and to support the continuing viability of the State's recreation and tourism industries; and that it is essential that the priorities for the dredging and dredged material disposal projects be established with the participation of the affected sectors of the State's economy, including representatives of the maritime industry, business and commercial interests, labor, and recreation and tourism industries, so that a consensus is reached on the most effective use of the available funds.
L.1997,c.97,s.1.