WEINBERG/GORDON MEASURE TO CHANGE GOVERNING BODY OF HISTORIC NEW BRIDGE LANDING STATE PARK IS NOW LAW

North Hackensack Train Station Renamed

HACKENSACK – A measure sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Robert Gordon, which would give administrative authority of Historic New Bridge Landing State Park to the Historic New Bridge Landing State Park Commission has been signed into law. The bill signing took place at the New Bridge Landing’s Steuben House.

“Today is a great day for the people of Bergen County and for New Jersey as a whole,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “This new law gives the Commission more authority over administering the funds that are allocated within the State budget for the Park. Historic New Bridge Landing State Park is a piece of New Jersey’s history, and it’s good to have this funding where it belongs.”

“This new law will allow the New Bridge Landing State Park Commission to act in the best interest of the park, without the added red tape brought on by having to secure the funding from the DEP,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “This law will allow the park to receive the funding it needs in a timely manner.”

The Senators’ measure, S-1644, reallocates any State funding appropriated for Historic New Bridge Landing State Park to the Commission, which will, in turn, distribute the money as needed.

Previously, all funding for the Park was administered through the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Parks and Forestry.

The Commission will also be responsible for drafting and adopting a master plan for the physical development of the park. The report will include plans for future development and preservation, and the Commission will also have to permit citizen involvement in the planning process. Upon its completion, the master plan will be submitted to the DEP Commissioner for review and approval.

The law also clarifies that the Commission’s jurisdiction extends to all publicly-owned lands, buildings and structures within the park, including the Steuben House.

The measure was approved by the full Senate on November 24, 2008.

Immediately following the bill signing, Senator Weinberg and Governor Corzine also unveiled the newly renamed “New Bridge Landing Train Station” (formerly the North Hackensack Train Station).

“Together both actions on the part of the governor will help us to celebrate this historic site and to attract more visitors to the area,” the Senators said.