LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 665

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JULY 24, 1996

      Assembly Bill No. 665 of 1996 creates the Upper Rahway River Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee for the purpose of fully restoring, promoting, preserving, and maintaining the environmental health and water quality of the upper Rahway river system. The committee is charged with achieving these goals by developing regional planning strategies, coordinating cleanup efforts, recommending State legislation, and acting as the lead agency for receiving or distributing public monies for environmental protection projects that affect the river. The bill specifies the composition and the responsibilities of the committee, and directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide technical and planning assistance as needed.

      The Office of Legislative Services estimates that the bill will have no significant impact on local budgets, nor on the operating budget, staff or resources of the DEP because the participation level of the committee members and the DEP will likely be governed by the budgetary limitations of the participants (unless other funding sources are made available). The long-term fiscal impact of the bill on the local and State economies should be positive if the upper Rahway River is improved to the point where significant revenues can be generated from tourism and recreational opportunities initiated under the committee's direction.

      This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the Office of Legislative Services due to the failure of the Executive Branch to respond to our request for a fiscal note.

This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.