Bill > A5860

This bill appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenues and various Green Acres funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects. The funding is distributed across several categories, including planning incentive acquisition projects, land acquisition in municipalities eligible for State aid, park development projects in densely populated areas, standard park development projects, stewardship activities, and completely inclusive playgrounds. The bill establishes a $3 million Planning Grant program to help local governments prepare plans for recreation and conservation initiatives. The funding will support a wide range of projects across multiple New Jersey counties, such as park improvements, playground installations, land acquisitions, and restoration efforts. The bill allows for flexibility in fund allocation, permitting transfers and additional funding for projects with the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. The appropriations come from sources like the Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund, Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund, and constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues, with the goal of enhancing local recreational spaces and conservation efforts throughout the state.

Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5860