The High Tech Culvert and Drainage Mapping Act mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a program for surveying and mapping stormwater infrastructure throughout the state using advanced technologies such as drones and LIDAR. The bill highlights the challenges faced by many local government units, particularly older communities, which often lack accurate records of their stormwater systems, including culverts, drains, and underground pipes. This deficiency in data hampers flood prevention, emergency response, and infrastructure maintenance. By utilizing modern mapping techniques, the program aims to create comprehensive and high-resolution maps that will enhance the state's ability to manage stormwater and plan necessary infrastructure upgrades.

The DEP is tasked with prioritizing mapping efforts in municipalities with aging or undocumented infrastructure, and all collected data will be stored in a centralized geospatial database accessible to relevant state, county, and municipal entities. Additionally, the DEP is required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the areas surveyed, data collected, and regions still needing mapping. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is authorized to utilize existing funds or seek federal grants to support the program's implementation. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.