ECONOMIC REDEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH (ERG) ERA-UPDATE
The NJEDA is no longer accepting applications for the ERG Grant Program. All applications for assistance, including required attachments, were required to be submitted to NJEDA no later than December 31, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Care at 609-858-6767
The Economic Redevelopment and Growth (ERG) Program is an incentive for developers and businesses to address revenue gaps in development projects. It can also apply to projects that have a below market development margin or rate of return. The grant is not meant to be a substitute for conventional debt and equity financing, and applicants should generally have their primary debt financing in place before applying.
ELIGIBILITY
Three types of projects are eligible for ERG support: residential projects, commercial projects, and mixed-use parking projects.
To receive ERG support, residential projects must:
- Include multi-family residential units or dormitory units for purchase or lease.
- Be located in a qualifying incentive area and have projects costs totaling $5 million, $10 million or $17.5 million, depending on location
- Not have commenced any construction at the site of a proposed redevelopment project prior to submitting an application, except that if the NJEDA determines that the project would not be completed otherwise, or in the event the project is to be undertaken in phases.
- Demonstrate that a project financing gap exists.
- Reserve at least 20 percent of units constructed for occupancy by low or moderate income households with affordability controls as required under the rules of the Council on Affordable Housing, unless the municipality in which the property is located has received substantive certification from the council and such a reservation is not required under the approved affordable housing plan, or the municipality has been given a judgment of repose or a judgment of compliance by the court, and such a reservation is not required under the approved affordable housing plan.
Commercial projects must:
- Include retail, office and/or industrial uses for purchase or lease.
- Be located in a qualifying incentive area.
- Not have commenced any construction at the site of a proposed redevelopment project prior to submitting an application, except that if the NJEDA determines that the project would not be completed otherwise, or in the event the project is to be undertaken in phases.
- Demonstrate that a project financing gap exists.
- Demonstrate the revenues the State will realize from the project will be greater than the incentive being provided.
AWARD SIZE
- Residential projects can receive tax credits of up to 20 percent of total eligible costs, with bonuses, of up to an additional 20 percent, available based on project type and location
- Commercial projects can receive an incentive grant reimbursement of up to 20 percent of total eligible costs, with bonuses, of up to an additional 20 percent, available based on project type and location.
FISCAL AND RESIDENT PROTECTIONS
In order to receive ERG support, a project must meet Green Building Requirements. Any construction contracts associated with the project must use prevailing wage labor rates and meet affirmative action requirements. The developer must also submit satisfactory evidence of actual project costs prior to the first disbursement of funds under the agreement or issuance of the tax credit under the approval letter, as applicable.