This bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) consult with the Department of Agriculture and County Agriculture Development Boards when creating the Annual Transportation Capital Program. Specifically, the DOT is required to develop a methodology to account for the transportation infrastructure needs identified by these agricultural entities and to integrate those needs into its infrastructure management systems, which are used to assess transportation infrastructure conditions and identify potential projects.
The intent of the bill is to ensure that the transportation infrastructure surrounding farmland is adequately addressed, thereby supporting the productivity and viability of New Jersey farms. By making targeted investments in transportation infrastructure that benefits the agricultural sector, the bill aims to sustain farming as a viable industry in the state and contribute positively to the overall economy.