b. For any site subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of subsection a. of section 27 of P.L. 2009, c. 60(C.58:10C-27), if the failure to complete the remedial investigation of the contaminated site is due to a delay in the provision of State financial assistance for the remediation from the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund, upon application by a person responsible for conducting the remediation, an extension of time shall be provided to allow for the completion of the remedial investigation prior to the department taking direct oversight, except as provided in subsection c. of this section. The applicant shall submit to the department a certification that the person responsible for conducting the remediation filed a technically and administratively complete application for funding prior to March 7, 2014 or 30 days after the date of enactment of P.L. 2013, c. 283(C. 58:10C-27.1 et al.), whichever is later, qualifies for funding, and remains eligible for funding. Every six months after the submission of the application for the extension of time pursuant to this subsection, the applicant shall submit to the department a certification with an update on the status of the funding application. The extension of time for the completion of a remedial investigation of a contaminated site prior to the department taking direct oversight of the remediation pursuant to this subsection shall be no more than two years after receipt of funding, or no more than two years after the applicant is no longer eligible for funding.
An application for an extension of time pursuant to this subsection shall be submitted to the department by March 7, 2014 or 30 days after the date of enactment of P.L. 2013, c. 283(C. 58:10C-27.1 et al.), whichever is later.