Codey, Bateman Bill to Fund State Acquisition of Lands for Recreation and Conservation Purposes Passes Senate

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Richard Codey and Senator Christopher Bateman, which would appropriate funds to acquire land for recreation and conservation purposes, passed the Senate today.

“Given the size of New Jersey, the state has a remarkably diverse landscape” said Senator Codey (D-Essex/Morris). “Our beaches, marshes, forests and highlands provide us with an eclectic gift from Mother Nature and we must conserve and protect for future generations to enjoy.”

“We must ensure New Jersey’s open spaces are preserved for generations to come,” said Senator Bateman (R-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “I have no doubt that, if passed, these funds will go towards worthy projects that will guarantee New Jersey can remain the Garden State.”

The bill, S-3208, would appropriate $12.642 million to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from the “Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund” and from remaining funds of the “Diesel Risk Mitigation Fund,” to acquire and fund nine project areas throughout the state.

The bill would also appropriate $3.054 million to the DEP from the “Preserve New Jersey Blue Acres Fund” and the “Diesel Risk Mitigation Fund” to produce funding to acquire properties suffering from flood or storm damage for the purpose of recreation and conservation.

The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 36-0.