HACKENSACK MEADOWLANDS AREA, NEW JERSEY.

SEC. 324. HACKENSACK MEADOWLANDS AREA, NEW JERSEY. (a) In General.— The Secretary is authorized to provide design and construction assistance to the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission of the State of New Jersey for the development of the Phase I Environmental Improvement Program of the Special Area Management Plan for the Hackensack Meadowlands area, New Jersey. (b) Required Elements.— The program to be developed under subsection (a) shall include at a minimum the following areas: (1) Mitigation and enhancement for significant wetlands that contribute to the Meadowlands ecosystem. (2) Development and implementation of a regional system to protect, preserve, and monitor wetlands. (3) Water quality monitoring. (4) Watershed cleanup at Bellmans and Penhom Creeks. (5) Storm water management research and demonstration. (6) Tide gate improvement and reconstruction to control flooding in the Berry’s Creek drainage basin. (7) Research and development for a water quality improvement program. (c) Cost Sharing.— Total project costs under subsection (a) shall be shared at 75 percent Federal and 25 percent non-Federal. The non-Federal sponsor shall receive credit for lands, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations toward its share of project costs, but not to exceed 25 percent of total project costs. Operation and maintenance cost shall be 100 percent non-Federal. (d) Authorization of Appropriation.— There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1992. Such sums shall remain available until expended.