This bill establishes a grant program administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide financial assistance to retail business establishments that incur increased business expenses due to public highway projects. The program is designed to reimburse these businesses for costs incurred during a "relief period," which is defined as the time between the commencement and conclusion of a public highway project. The bill outlines the criteria for eligible applicants, which must be small retail businesses operating within an "impacted construction zone" where access is restricted due to the highway project.

To apply for the grant, businesses must submit documentation demonstrating their regular business expenses prior to the relief period and the increased expenses incurred during it. The EDA will review applications on a rolling basis, contingent on available funds, and grants will be awarded based on the difference between the increased expenses and the regular expenses for an equal number of business days. The bill also mandates that the Commissioner of Transportation notify the EDA of ongoing and completed public highway projects to facilitate the application process. Additionally, it appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to support the administration of the grant program.