Legislation that would extend the duration of existing permit approvals from state, county and municipal agencies for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency was approved by the Senate yesterday and moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit and the Governor locked down the state, the majority of business and government projects screeched to a halt. Bipartisan bill (A3919 / S2346) would ensure those projects can resume without costly delays when restrictions are lifted.
“Work has been frozen. The economy was stopped in its tracks by strict social distancing orders to slow the spread of the virus,” said Senator Bucco (R-25). “Permit approvals can expire during indefinite delays, jeopardizing important construction and placing public and private investment at risk. Extending permits during the state of emergency will prevent important, already-approved work from being abandoned.
“We must do all that we can to make sure these projects remain viable so people can get back to work now that the Governor has allowed nonessential projects to resume construction,” Bucco added.
Murphy’s executive order No. 122, signed on April 8, shut down all non-essential construction projects and imposed additional restrictions on essential retail businesses and industries.