For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2014
Freeholders support preservation legislation
Senate resolution would allocate state funding for open space
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted unanimously to pass a resolution supporting State legislation that would advance an effort to dedicate state funding for the preservation of open space.
“This legislation would continue to grant funding for preservation programs that have been in place for more than 50 years,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “Monmouth County has benefitted from the previous State programs and we have considerable remaining unmet needs for land and water conservation, farmland and historic preservation and park development.”
The bill, New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution Number 2 (SCR2) would dedicate $200 million, or 2.4 percent, whichever is less, of sales annually from 2015 to 2044 and use tax revenue for preservation of open space, including flood prone areas and lands that protect water supplies, farmland, and historic properties.
“Preservation of open space, parks, farmland and historic sites is necessary for the health and welfare of Monmouth County communities and residents,” said Freeholder Gary J. Rich, Sr. “It is imperative that a long-term source of funding be established to maintain and protect quality of life and economic prosperity in Monmouth County and in the State of New Jersey.”
“SCR2 would provide the dedicated, stable source of funding needed to continue the State’s current programs for open space,” said Burry. “This would help advance our efforts to protect flood prone lands, keep farmland viable and preserve historic resources.”
Monmouth County has preserved 15,934 acres of land for public use that are managed by the Monmouth County Park System. The County’s farmland preservation program has permanently preserved more than 14,776 acres and is overseen by the County’s Agriculture Development Board.
The Board of Chosen Freeholders vote took place at the freeholder regular meeting on Feb. 27.
SCR2 is sponsored by Senators Bob Smith (District 17) and Christopher Bateman (District 16).
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