The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation introduced by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco to create the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within the Department of Transportation (DOT). The initiative is intended to address safety concerns related to abandoned mines across the state.
“The I-80 sinkhole disaster showed just how quickly a single infrastructure failure can severely disrupt commuting, commerce, and daily life,” said Sen. Bucco. “It is essential to restore and improve the structural foundation that led to this crisis and the ‘Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program’ will take a proactive approach to identify the most serious risks, reclaim abandoned mines safely, and protect both our roads and our communities from future emergencies.”
Senator Bucco played a key role in facilitating communication among local, state, and federal officials during efforts to repair damage caused by the Interstate 80 sinkhole. In April, he met with representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority as well as affected local businesses to discuss available support programs for those impacted by the disruption.
In May, Senator Bucco introduced additional legislation known as the “Road to Relief” bill package—S-4369 and S-4370—which aims to provide financial aid and tax relief for businesses and residents affected by construction on I-80.
The full text of bill S-4833 is available online.