This bill establishes a grant program within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's Division of Plant Industry to support local governments in managing invasive and prohibited invasive species. The program will provide annual grants, with a total appropriation of $3 million from the General Fund, to reimburse local governments for up to 50% of their project costs related to invasive species control. The bill outlines specific guidelines for grant applications, eligibility criteria, and acceptable uses of the funds, which include inspections, early detection, extermination services, and contracting with vendors for treatment. Additionally, the division is tasked with creating a clearinghouse of information on invasive species management, which will be published on the department's website.

The bill emphasizes the importance of prioritizing grants for local governments that have experienced significant damage from invasive species or have demonstrated a need for management efforts. It also encourages collaboration with federal and state agencies to seek additional funding sources for invasive species management. By addressing the economic and environmental impacts of invasive species, which were estimated to cost New Jersey agriculture $290 million annually in 2009, the bill aims to enhance local efforts in controlling these harmful organisms and protecting natural resources.