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Bill > A5119

NJ A5119

NJ A5119
Appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for recreation and conservation purposes to DEP for State capital and park development projects.

summary

Introduced
12/09/2024
In Committee
12/16/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill appropriates the sum of $60 million to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide funding for capital projects and park development projects on lands administered by the DEP for recreation and conservation purposes pursuant to the "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.). The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of the State in November 2014. The "Preserve New Jersey Act" implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The act provides that a certain amount of the portion of dedicated CBT revenues allocated each year for the Green Acres program is to be used for: the acquisition of lands for open space, including Blue Acres projects, and development projects on lands administered by the State for recreation and conservation purposes; grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects; and grants to nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes. This bill appropriates funds for capital and park development projects on State lands administered by the DEP's State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites program and Fish and Wildlife program. These programs were formerly known, respectively, as the Division of Parks and Forestry and Division of Fish and Wildlife, prior to the DEP's current reorganization. The "Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund" was established by section 6 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." The projects and appropriations listed in this bill have been approved by the DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust.

AI Summary

This bill appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenues to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for recreation and conservation projects. The funding, which includes $9.187 million from interest earnings, will be allocated across various categories including boating and fishing access, camping development, habitat improvements, infrastructure repairs, and other specific projects. Key project areas include bridge and building repairs, dam inspections, health and life safety projects, historic structure stabilization, recreational development, and road repairs. The bill allows the department to reallocate funds among these projects with approval from the Division of Budget and Accounting, and requires written notification to various legislative bodies if such reallocation occurs. Additionally, the bill waives the requirement for Joint Budget Oversight Committee approval for fund expenditures and includes a supplemental appropriation of $50.813 million from the General Fund to the "Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund" to implement the projects. The act is designed to support the state's conservation efforts under the "Preserve New Jersey Act" and will take effect immediately upon passage.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Substituted by S3936 (on 12/19/2024)
(1 Companion Bills)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5119
Analysis - Statement AAP 12/16/24 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5119_S2.PDF
Analysis - Statement AEN 12/12/24 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5119_S1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5119_I1.HTM
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