34:1B-7.13 Use of moneys in fund.

4. The authority may use the moneys in the fund to pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on bonds or notes, which shall be entitled "Economic Recovery Fund Bonds or Notes," as appropriate, the proceeds, or net proceeds, of which shall be deposited into the fund, or used for purposes of the fund, and moneys in the fund, including money received from the sale of bonds shall, in such manner as is determined by the authority, and pursuant to subsections d., e., and f. of this section, be used for the financing of projects as set forth in section 3 of P.L.1974, c.80 (C.34:1B-3) and to establish:

a. an economic growth account for business programs, which will invest in small and medium-size businesses that have the greatest potential for creating jobs and stimulating economic growth through such elements as a Statewide lending pool for small business, a business composite bond guarantee, a fund to further supplement the export finance program of the authority to provide direct loans and working capital necessary for New Jersey businesses to compete in the global market, real estate partnerships, a Statewide composite bond pool to assist municipalities in acquiring needed financing for capital expenditures, community-based assistance to assist municipalities in establishing local development corporations to stimulate economic development, a venture capital fund for start-up costs for businesses developing new concepts and inventions, a fund to assist businesses with expansion in such areas as manufacturing retooling to improve quality, to reduce production costs and to train employees to apply the latest technology, and a "Main Street Business Assistance Program" to provide guarantees and loans to small and mid-size businesses and not-for-profit corporations to stimulate the economy. The authority may promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the "Main Street Business Assistance Program." Notwithstanding any provision of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the authority may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such regulations as are necessary to implement the provisions of this act, which shall be effective for a period not to exceed 12 months following enactment, and may thereafter be amended, adopted, or readopted by the authority in accordance with the requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.);

b. an economic development infrastructure program account, which shall provide for the financing and development of infrastructure and transportation projects, including but not limited to ports, terminal and transit facilities, roads and airports, parking facilities used in connection with transit facilities, and related facilities, including public-private partnerships, that are integral to economic growth;

c. an account for a cultural, recreational, fine and performing arts, military and veterans memorial, historic preservation project and tourism facilities and improvements program, which shall provide for the financing and development of cultural, recreational, fine and performing arts, military and veterans memorial, historic preservation and tourism projects, including partnerships with public, private and nonprofit entities;

d. an account, into which shall be deposited an amount not less than $45,000,000, out of the total amounts deposited or credited to the fund from the proceeds of the sale of Economic Recovery Fund Bonds or Notes, for the financing of capital facilities for primary and secondary schools in the State for the purpose of the renovation, repair or alteration of existing school buildings, the construction of new school buildings or the conversion of existing school buildings to other instructional purposes.

(1) Of the amount deposited in the account, not less than $25,000,000 shall be deposited in the "Public School Facilities Code Compliance Loan Fund" established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1993, c.102 (C.34:1B-7.23).

(2) Of the amount deposited in the account, not less than $20,000,000 shall be deposited in the "Public School Facilities Loan Assistance Fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1993, c.102 (C.34:1B-7.24);

e. an environmental cleanup assistance account, into which shall be deposited an amount not less than $10,000,000, out of the total amounts deposited or credited to the fund from the proceeds of the sale of Economic Recovery Fund Bonds or Notes, to provide financial assistance to the persons and other entities entitled to apply for financial assistance pursuant to P.L.1993, c.139; and

f. an account, into which shall be deposited an amount not less than $15,000,000, out of the total amounts deposited or credited to the fund from the proceeds of the sale of Economic Recovery Fund Bonds or Notes, for the financing of shore restoration, maintenance, monitoring, protection and preservation projects pursuant to the shore protection master plan prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to P.L.1978, c.157.

L.1992, c.16, s.4; amended 1993, c.102, s.11; 1993, c.286, s.1; 2008, c.117, s.2; 2010, c.28, s.2.