Bill > A5649

This bill allows counties and municipalities that previously established open space trust funds to use those funds for the remediation of collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on property owned by the county or municipality. Under existing law, these trust funds were primarily designed for purposes like land preservation, recreation, and historic preservation. The bill requires counties and municipalities to follow specific procedures before using the funds for mine shaft or sinkhole remediation, including conducting at least one public hearing with detailed public notice requirements at least 45 days before adopting an ordinance. Counties and municipalities are limited to spending no more than $100,000 on any single remediation project without additional public hearings and authorizing ordinances. The bill also mandates that when a county or municipality decides to use these funds for mine remediation, their existing trust fund will be dissolved and replaced with a new trust fund that includes mine remediation as an authorized purpose. Importantly, the bill does not require new voter approval for this expanded use of funds, but it does ensure transparency through public hearings and notification processes. The goal appears to be providing local governments with more flexible funding options for addressing potential safety hazards related to collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on their properties.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5649