27:7-21. Additional powers of commissioner

27:7-21. In addition to, and not in limitation of, his general powers, the commissioner may:

a. Determine and adopt rules, regulations and specifications and enter into contracts covering all matters and things incident to the acquisition, improvement, betterment, construction, reconstruction, maintenance and repair of State highways;

b. Execute and perform as an independent contractor or through contracts made in the name of the State, all work incident to the maintenance and repair of State highways;

c. Establish and maintain as an independent contractor or employer a patrol repair system for the proper and efficient maintenance and repair of State highways;

d. Employ and discharge, subject to the provisions of the Civil Service law, all foremen and laborers, prescribe their qualifications and furnish all equipment, tools and material necessary for such patrol repair system;

e. Widen, straighten and regrade State highways;

f. Vacate any State highway or part thereof;

g. The commissioner and his authorized agents and employees may enter upon any lands, waters and premises in the State, after giving written notice to the recorded owner at least three days prior thereto, for the purpose of making surveys, soundings, drillings, borings and examinations as he may deem necessary or convenient for the purposes of this Title, and such entry shall not be deemed a trespass; nor shall such entry be deemed an entry under any condemnation proceedings which may be then pending. The commissioner shall make reimbursement for any actual damages resulting to such lands, waters and premises as a result of such activities;

h. Enter into cooperative agreements with any State department, agency or authority or any county or municipality enabling the State to negotiate for and condemn lands and also provide relocation services and payments deemed necessary for the effectuation of State or federally financed State Aid Transportation and related Programs;

i. Enter into agreements with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority with respect to the funding of the resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitation and reconstructing of the I-95 Extension of the New Jersey Turnpike through the allocation of monies apportioned by the United States Department of Transportation pursuant to 23 U.S.C. s.119 or a successor program. Any such agreement shall be subject to the continued eligibility of the I-95 Extension for federal aid, the availability of funds appropriated by Congress and the appropriation of funds by the Legislature for that purpose. No such agreement shall constitute or create a debt or liability of the State within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation nor shall any such agreement constitute a pledge of either the faith and credit or the taxing power of the State; and

j. Do whatever may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the purposes of this Title.

Amended 1967,c.174; 1972,c.56; 1991,c.183,s.2.