Legislation to Require Use of Glass in Asphalt Mixes Introduced

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Senator Bob Smith (D-17) has recently introduced Senate Bill 4145 which requires the use of glass in asphalt mixtures for NJDOT projects. The bill has been reviewed by both the NJAPA Technical Committee and the NJAPA Environmental Committee. The consensus from both groups was that while NJAPA has no objection to the use of glass in asphalt pavements broadly, the material has not been used in NJ for many years for a variety of reasons. Further the legislation as written raises a number of questions including definitions of waste glass and fine asphalt mixtures, who would be responsible for having the material approved as an aggregate and included on the State Qualified Products List, and how would the State determine availability and pricing of the material as a component of a larger bid package as required by the bill. It was also noted that glass has a tendency to attract vermin and create a foul odor.

In addition, should the State want to require use of an inexpensive, readily available, and proven material for use in asphalt production, it is the position of NJAPA that they should be working to increase RAP percentages rather than adding requirements for the use of recycled glass. To reveiw Senate Bill 4145 click here.

Local Aid Meetings NJAPA Staff Meeting with Municipal Engineers, County Engineers, and County Administrators to Discuss Local Aid Program

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The NJAPA, responding to the call of its members and the Commissioner of NJDOT, has met and will continue to meet with the beneficiaries of the Local Aid Program to learn where the Association can assist in ensuring that funds are spent in an efficient and timely manner. Meetings have been held with township engineers, a county manager and public works manager, and the leadership of the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers, and are planned with additional county and municipal engineers over the next two months.

In gathering information on the stumbling blocks to awarding local aid grants, the NJAPA hopes to serve as a conduit between the NJDOT and the grant recipients to assist in streamlining the program. All parties that we have met with have welcomed this initiative.

 

Governor Christie Signs RAP Legislation

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Governor Christie Signs RAP Legislation

Governor Chris Christie has signed legislation which will dramatically expand the permissible uses of Recycled Asphalt Pavement material.  The bill was approved by the Assembly and Senate in the final days of the Legislative session.

Over the past year NJAPA representatives have met with nearly every member of the NJ Legislature, Representatives of DOT and DEP, the Governor’s Office, and a multitude of other interest groups as we advanced this important policy initiative.  NJAPA coordinated our efforts with the NJ Concrete & Aggregate Association and thank them for their advocacy as well.

The legislation will allow RAP to be used for quarry reclamation in stone quarries, will establish a regulatory framework for quarry reclamation in sand quarries, and will allow RAP materials to be used for a host of other beneficial uses including farm roads, pothole repair, and parking lots.

Please contact the NJAPA office should you have any questions or wish to discuss this issue in more detail.

NJAPA Achieves Major Policy Success in Final Days of Legislative Session

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NJAPA Achieves Major Policy Success in Final Days of Legislative Session

The New Jersey Assembly voted on the final day of the Legislative Session to approve legislation developed by NJAPA to dramatically expand the allowable uses of recycled asphalt pavements. The vote was delayed in both houses due to the recent snow storm. The Senate voted 30-0 on Friday to approve the measure and the Assembly voted to amend the bill to make it match the Assembly version and voted 70-0 for final passage on Monday. The bill now heads to Governor Christie for his consideration. At the end of a legislative session, the Constitution provides the Governor with 7 days to review and consider passed bills. Over the past year NJAPA representatives have met with nearly every member of the NJ Legislature, Representatives of DOT and DEP, the Governor’s Office, and a multitude of other interest groups as we advanced this important policy initiative. NJAPA coordinated our efforts with the NJ Concrete & Aggregate Association and thank them for their advocacy as well.

If approved, the legislation will allow RAP to be used for quarry reclamation in stone quarries, will establish a regulatory framework for quarry reclamation in sand quarries, and will allow RAP materials to be used for a host of other beneficial uses including farm roads, pothole repair, and parking lots.

NJAPA extends a tremendously well-deserved Thank You to the Sponsors of Senate Bill 3521 and Assembly Bill 5194:

• Senator Bob Gordon (D-38)
• Senator Steve Oroho (R-24)
• Senator Kip Bateman (R-16)
• Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-38)
• Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (R-40)
• Assemblyman Jamal Holley (D-20)
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-19)

To view a copy of the bill click here.

We will provide additional updates as we learn more about the Governor’s position on the bill. As always, please call or email the association office with any questions or discussion.