NJ S1337

Creates the Office of River Maintenance within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, led by a director appointed by the DEP Commissioner within 30 days of enactment

Assigns the office primary responsibility for all stream cleaning, desnagging, and bank stabilization or restoration projects statewide to improve flood control and restore eroded or degraded waterways

Exempts stream cleaning and bank restoration projects conducted by the office from requiring DEP permits or approvals under state environmental laws, though projects must still comply with wetlands, coastal, highlands, and flood hazard regulations

Requires the DEP Commissioner to submit annual reports to the Legislature by March 1 detailing completed projects, costs, upcoming project priorities, and legislative recommendations

Repeals P.L.1993, c.376 (C.58:16A-67), which previously established procedures for local government units to undertake stream cleaning activities