TRENTON – The Senate today approved a bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. to provide 50 percent reductions in sewer and water fees charged to new connections for units built by public housing authorities and non-profit organizations building affordable housing projects.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear that municipalities have an affirmative obligation to provide the infrastructure needed to make affordable housing realistically possible,” said Senator Kenny, D-Hudson.
The measure, S-1343, would apply to county, regional or municipal sewerag authorities as well as to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. Credits would be provided for connections to affordable housing units made before the legislation was enacted.
“General ratepayers for utilities will be protected from higher fees needed to make up lost revenues from these discounts,” Senator Kenny said.
Lost revenue would be made up by assessing higher fees on new applicants for connections, according to the bill.
The measure passed 23-14 and now goes to the Governor.