TRENTON, N.J. – Local governments in New Jersey would be permitted to use open space trust fund money to repair collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on public land under legislation advanced Thursday by the Assembly Budget Committee.
The bill (A5649), sponsored by Assemblyman Christian Barranco (R-Morris), is a direct response to a series of sinkholes that caused intermittent closures on Interstate 80 in Wharton from December 2024 through late June. The road closures disrupted the daily commutes of tens of thousands of drivers and negatively affected local businesses.
“North Jersey was once home to a thriving mining industry, predating the Revolutionary War, that unfortunately left behind hundreds of abandoned mines,” Barranco said. “It’s when, not if, other towns and counties have to deal with remediating these shafts. They should have quick access to funds to fix the problem, because it’s an expensive problem to fix.”
Repairs along I-80 cost approximately $150,000 per day.
Currently, New Jersey’s 565 municipalities and all 21 counties may levy a voter-approved open space tax of up to six cents per $100 of assessed property value. The revenue may be used to preserve open space, farmland or historic sites, develop parks, or protect flood plains.
Barranco’s measure would expand that use to include mineshaft remediation and sinkhole repair without requiring additional voter approval. Local governments would need to adopt a resolution or ordinance and meet public notice requirements.
“Allowing governments to use these funds ensures the safety of our communities and protects our public lands,” Barranco said. “These funds, rooted in the public’s commitment to preserving our environment, should extend to stabilizing the ground beneath us, preventing disasters like those on I-80 and safeguarding both infrastructure and lives.”
