Bill > AR133

Introduced Session

This resolution expresses opposition to all proposals to change the designation of the Delaware Water Gap from a National Recreation Area to a National Park and Preserve and expand the current boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area ("Delaware Water Gap") is a unit of the National Park System located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that encompasses portions of Sussex and Warren Counties. The Delaware Water Gap offers numerous recreational opportunities that are enjoyed by the residents of Sussex and Warren counties, as well as residents from throughout the State and visitors from across the country. A recently proposed project titled "Delaware Water Gap: Redesignation Project" ("Redesignation Project") seeks to change the designation of the Delaware Water Gap from a National Recreation Area to the Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve, and to expand the area of the present Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The specifics and scope of the Redesignation Project and the environmental, economic, and agricultural impacts of the project, remain unknown, including if, and how, fees will be collected, and how the project will be funded. In addition, the Redesignation Project raises concerns that the rights of local property owners may be disregarded. It is possible the federal government will use eminent domain to acquire private and State property alongside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, including nearby High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and Worthington State Forest. The conversion of private property to federal property would result in numerous economic ramifications. It would result in a reduction of tax revenue in affected municipalities, may negatively affect local school districts in the area, and may negatively affect the local economy by preventing farmers who lease land along the Delaware River from producing crops that feed livestock. The Redesignation Project may further affect the local economy by prohibiting or restricting recreational activities, including hunting. As stakeholders determined in 2016, prohibiting these recreational activities will cause local businesses in Sussex and Warren counties to suffer financially, and prevent local residents from enjoying hunting and other recreational activities locally.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

John DiMaio (R)*,  Dawn Fantasia (R)*,  Michael Inganamort (R)*,  Bob Auth (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee (on 05/02/2024)

Official Document