Definition of “Public Works”: "Public work" means construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, custom fabrication, or repair work, or maintenance work, including painting and decorating, done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of the funds of a public body, except work performed under a rehabilitation program, if, at the time of the entering into of the contract the property or premises is owned by the public body or: (a) not less than 55% of the property or premises is leased by a public body, or is subject to an agreement to be subsequently leased by the public body; and (b) the portion of the property or premises that is leased or subject to an agreement to be subsequently leased by the public body measures more than 20,000 square feet.
Categories of Construction Covered: Construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, custom fabrication, or repair work, or maintenance work, including painting and decorating, done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of the funds of a public body, except work performed under the rehabilitation program.
Source of Funds: Public works projects funded in whole or in part with the funds of a public body. Contracts awarded directly by municipal government must be valued at $16,263 or more to be covered by the Act. For all other public entities, including municipal utility authorities and boards of education, the threshold is $2,000.
State or Federal Wage Determination: State wage determinations are available here.
Disclaimer: This information was published on August 1, 2021. Please contact Josh Levy, Eric Meier, Samantha Schacht or Michael Schrier for modifications made by New Jersey since that date. Visit our 50-State Construction Law Map for information on other states.