This bill establishes two distinct programs for the reclamation of abandoned mines in New Jersey, specifically under the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DOT will implement the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Transportation and Utility Protection Program, which aims to protect transportation and public utility infrastructure from the hazards posed by abandoned mines. Concurrently, the DEP will oversee the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Environment Protection Program, focusing on safeguarding environmental integrity, particularly water quality. Both programs will develop reclamation plans that identify and prioritize abandoned mines posing the greatest threats, and they will be supported by dedicated funds and grant programs for project sponsors.

The bill also outlines the rights of DOT and DEP employees to enter properties for exploratory work related to reclamation, ensuring that property owners are notified and their requests accommodated. It mandates that findings from investigations be shared with property owners at no cost to them. The funding for these initiatives will come from federal grants, state appropriations, and other sources, with strict guidelines for their use. Additionally, the DOT and DEP are required to adopt necessary regulations to effectively implement the provisions of the bill and to seek federal funding annually to support these reclamation efforts.