Bill > A3267

This bill allows counties and municipalities to use funds from their Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Funds for the remediation of collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on property they own, provided that voters previously approved the use of these funds for open space purposes. Before such an ordinance can be adopted, the county or municipality must hold public hearings, provide extensive public notice including details about the remediation plans and costs, and allow for public comment. If a project exceeds $100,000, an additional public hearing and ordinance are required. The bill also mandates the creation of new trust funds that include "Mine Remediation" in their name to reflect this expanded use, and existing funds will be dissolved and transferred to these new funds. Importantly, counties and municipalities cannot increase the amount or rate of the levy previously approved by voters without submitting a new proposition to the voters.