Assembly panel advances bill directing DEP and DOT to develop wildlife corridor action plan with $90,000 appropriation

The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee amended and released Assembly Bill 4926 (and the identical Senate companion, S3618, first reprint), directing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to jointly develop a wildlife corridor action plan and authorizing a $90,000 appropriation from the general fund to support the work.

Committee amendments clarified the bill’s scope: DEP and DOT are to develop, but not implement, the plan; definitions for “crossing project,” “transportation project,” and “wildlife corridor” were revised; the deadline for completing the plan was extended to 36 months after the bill’s effective date; the plan must identify (not prioritize) crossing projects that promote driver safety and wildlife connectivity; and the plan should recommend criteria for crossing projects rather than recommending specific projects. DOT was directed to review the submitted plan and identify crossing projects for inclusion in certain transportation project lists no later than 36 months after the plan is submitted to the governor and legislature. The amended bills also permit, but do not require, the agencies to adopt implementing regulations and make technical corrections.

Sponsors and committee members framed the measure as a proactive approach to reduce habitat fragmentation and vehicle-wildlife collisions. A sponsor cited collision statistics and claim costs (roughly 8,800 deer-related collisions in November 2023 and an average cost of $7,000 per claim) and noted national figures for collisions and fatalities. Committee members shared personal accounts of deer strikes and expressed varying views about the scope and cost implications of roadway modifications. One member urged additional emphasis on managing deer populations and education for drivers; another warned that requiring additional mitigation could substantially raise costs for public transportation projects.

The Nature Conservancy’s Rebecca Hilbert testified in support, describing long-term conservation work in New Jersey and citing national and state figures for wildlife-car collisions, their human and ecological impacts, and potential cost savings from successful crossing projects in other states. She highlighted impacts to species beyond deer, including bobcats and various amphibians and reptiles, and cited estimates of collision costs in New Jersey (total annual collision costs near $90 million) and national expenditures to protect wildlife.

On the motion to amend and release Assembly Bill 4926 and its Senate counterpart, the committee recorded one abstention and one no vote. The roll call recorded: Assemblyman Ganemore — Abstain; Assemblyman McGuckin — No; Assemblyman DePhillips — Yes; Assemblyman Clifton — Yes; Assemblyman Bailey — Yes; Assemblywoman McCann Stamato — Yes; Assemblywoman Katz — Yes; Assemblyman Moen — Yes; Assemblyman Kennedy — Yes; Assemblyman Karabinchak — Yes; Vice Chair Carter — Yes; Chairman Calabrese — Yes. The amended bills were reported out of committee.

The committee also noted stakeholder letters on file, including support from the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Environment New Jersey; The Nature Conservancy asked to testify and did so.

The bill now proceeds to further legislative consideration.