TRENTON, N.J. — Acting Gov. Tahesha Way has signed legislation appropriating $44.4 million for the preservation of open space and flood-prone properties through New Jersey’s Green Acres and Blue Acres programs.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Parker Space and Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, both Republicans representing the 24th Legislative District, directs funding from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
“By signing this bill into law, we are making a clear commitment to protecting New Jersey’s open spaces while investing in the safety and resilience of our communities,” Space said. “This funding ensures that lands vital for recreation and conservation are preserved for future generations, while also strengthening programs like Blue Acres that help monitor, manage, and reduce flooding risks in our most vulnerable areas. Preserving our natural resources and protecting people’s property can go hand in hand, and this investment does both.”
“In a state as densely populated as New Jersey, proactive conservation is essential for restoring habitat and healthier wildlife populations,” Inganamort said. “This law ensures New Jerseyans can steward even more of our natural heritage, with an obligation to also proactively manage our forests, expand responsible recreation, and increase natural resilience.”
The legislation appropriates $21.375 million for the state acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes across 15 project categories and an additional $21.375 million for Blue Acres projects. Another $1.65 million is allocated for administrative costs related to implementing the Preserve New Jersey Act.
The funding is provided through constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues approved by voters in 2014. Of the total amount appropriated, $10.804 million is available due to interest earnings on those revenues.
Under the Preserve New Jersey Act, at least 10 percent of state funding for land acquisition must be allocated to Blue Acres projects. The projects funded through the bill have been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Preservation Trust.
The law also authorizes the DEP to redistribute funds made available through project cancellations or cost savings to provide additional funding for previously approved projects, subject to approval by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee.
