TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Doug Steinhardt that allows eligible nonprofit organizations to receive full state funding for certain repairs and improvements on state-owned property has been signed into law.
The measure, sponsored by Steinhardt, R-Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren, eliminates the existing 50% matching grant requirement for qualifying nonprofit organizations seeking Green Acres funding for eligible development, capital repair and improvement projects on state-owned land.
Under the new law, qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations may receive Green Acres funding without having to provide matching funds, allowing the state to cover the full cost of eligible projects.
“Nonprofits do important work that our communities depend on, but raising money for major repairs and improvements can be a significant hurdle,” said Sen. Steinhardt. “With this new law, the State can identify needs and administer more flexibility to cover the full cost of eligible projects on state-owned land, helping these organizations make needed improvements without having to come up with matching funds they may not have.”
The legislation supplements the Garden State Preservation Trust Act, which governs funding for land preservation and related projects in New Jersey.
According to the bill, the changes are intended to improve the stewardship, maintenance, repair and safe operation of certain preserved state facilities and lands used for education, research, outdoor recreation and other suitable purposes.
The law allows qualifying nonprofits to undertake development projects, capital repairs and improvements on state-owned property using Green Acres funding without having to secure the matching contributions previously required.
Supporters of the legislation say the change will help organizations that maintain or improve public facilities but may lack the financial resources to meet matching grant requirements.
The measure does not eliminate eligibility requirements for Green Acres funding but provides greater flexibility in financing qualifying projects on state-owned land.
By allowing eligible projects to be fully funded, the legislation is intended to help nonprofit organizations address needed improvements while supporting the continued maintenance and public use of preserved state properties.
