Urgent Action Needed for Open Space, Farmland and Historic Site Preservation
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Contact your NJ Assembly Members and urge them to let this measure come to the floor in order to let the voters decide!
With bipartisan leadership, New Jersey has dedicated an average of $200 million a year for open space funding since the creation of the Garden State Preservation Trust in 1998. Most recently, voters approved the Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009, authorizing $400 million for open space, farmland, and historic preservation.
These funds are fully allocated, and legislative action is needed now to continue New Jersey's legacy of open space, farmland, and historic site preservation.
The Senate passed historic legislation June 20th with an overwhelming majority in order to provide a sustainable source of funding for Green Acres, Blue Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation well into New Jersey's future. In order for this measure to be placed on the November ballot, the Assembly must bring this legislation to a vote.
ACR179 would provide continued funding for the incredibly successful Green Acres program, as well as Blue Acres projects to buy-out flood-impacted properties in both inland and coastal areas and to protect undeveloped coastal watershed and riparian lands to help prevent future flood damage. The legislation would also provide sustainable funding for vital Farmland and Historic Site preservation. The dedication of a small portion of future sales tax revenues will provide a long term and sustainable funding source for continued open space, farmland and historic site preservation.
The ability to preserve land along New Jersey's waterways is critical to the Society's work to protect and preserve the coastal marine life and habitat we all know and love!
If the Assembly version is amended to match the Senate version,the bill will also contain provisions for improved stewardship in order for us to better maintain and protect the parks, natural areas and farmlands we've invested in.
Your voice is needed to ensure the bill's success!
Find your Assembly Member's info here!
Renee Brecht <[email protected]>
American Littoral Society
