We are excited to see that projects are starting to be completed – or near completion. Please take a look through our slideshow and see some of the impact the LCBA has had on NJ libraries!
PAGE UPDATED ON March 20, 2024
Background
On July 21, 2017, Governor Chris Christie signed the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, P.L. 2017, c. 149, which authorized the issuance of $125 million in general obligation bonds to finance capital projects at public libraries. The State Library developed the rules to implement the Act for the construction, reconstruction, extension, improvement, and furnishing of New Jersey’s public libraries. These rules (regulations) became effective November 4, 2019.
Amendments to the regulations were proposed in July 2023 to address issues that have arisen in implementation of grant awards in the context of the pandemic and its continuing effects, as well as a drafting error. The impact of the pandemic on local governments and construction costs and availability of workers has been significant. The amendments are designed to remove unnecessary burdens on grantees in planning and executing legislatively approved projects. The amendments were adopted by the State Librarian on September 5, 2023 and became effective October 2, 2023.
The State Librarian has adjusted the maximum dollar per square foot costs for LCBA project grant funding pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:24-2.5(a)(1). The updated maximum dollar per square foot cost for Round 1 grantees has been set at $580.00 per square foot for new construction and $406.00 per square foot for rehabilitation and repair. For the rehabilitation or renovation of a building registered as a New Jersey or Federal historic site, the maximum cost per square foot has been set at $580.00.
The updated maximum dollar per square foot cost for Round 2 grantees has been set at $593.10 per square foot for new construction and $415.16 per square foot for rehabilitation and repair. For the rehabilitation or renovation of a building registered as a New Jersey or Federal historic site, the maximum cost per square foot has been set at $593.10.
Please note that there are no additional funds available for current LCBA projects at this time; this adjustment ensures the implementation of the Library Construction Bond Act program and the fulfillment of its purpose.
- The original Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA) law, P.L. 2017, c. 149, can be found here.
- The regulations governing the LCBA program can be found here.
- The adopted amendments to the regulations governing the LCBA program can be found here.
The State Library issued two rounds of grant solicitations, the first in Winter 2020 and the Second in Spring 2021.
Managing Your Grant
Here you can find the resources to help manage your current LCBA grant.