§ 27:23-52 — Helmets to Hardhats pilot program.

2. a. The authority shall establish a pilot program to aid former military personnel in finding employment in the construction industry. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 18 of P.L.1968, c.461 (C.27:23-6.1) or any other law to the contrary, pursuant to the pilot program the authority shall require that for each highway project constructed by the authority, contracts shall be awarded such that not less than five percent or more than 20 percent of the projected labor hours per project are awarded to contractors who employ workers from an apprenticeable trade participating in the Helmets to Hardhats Program as certified by the New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council. The authority shall provide that workers shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate for the worker's craft or trade, as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development pursuant to P.L.1963, c.150 (C.34:11-56.25 et seq.). b. The authority shall develop goals to increase employment opportunities for all veterans during the pilot program period, including, but not limited to, goals for labor hours both in the administrative and construction areas related to highway projects. L.2013, c.36, s.2.