Senator Steve Oroho, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the passage of S-1875 which would extend the expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from 2009 to 2014.

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TRENTON – Two measures sponsored by Senator Jim Beach which would appropriate funds for clean water and farmland preservation projects around the State were approved today by Senate Committees.

            One measure, S-2797, would establish a “Clean Water State Revolving Fund” within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to determine how to best utilize the federal stimulus funds authorized and appropriated through the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.”

            “These funds would help to cover the cost of clean water projects throughout the State of New Jersey,” said Senator Beach, D-Camden.  “The federal stimulus dollars have already been appropriated so there will be no additional cost to taxpayers. It is our responsibility to ensure that we use the funds where they are most needed.”         

Three bills sponsored by Senator Marcia Karrow (R-Hunterdon/Warren) that appropriate over $83 million to preserve New Jersey farmland for recreation and conservation purposes were unanimously approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

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Times are tough. There is no denying that money's tight. That doesn't mean we should completely abandon great programs like farmland preservation. We should start planning today for a future bond issue that will help us preserve more of the breath-taking beautiful open space that makes living in New Jersey so wonderful.

SMITH MEASURE TO PROTECT STATE FORESTS APPROVED IN BUDGET COMMITTEE

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Environment Committee Chair, Senator Bob Smith, which would establish a new forest stewardship program in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to protect privately-owned forests in the Garden State was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee by a vote of 9-0, with 4 abstentions.

“New Jersey’s forests are our most important tool in carbon sequestering and reversing global warming in the Garden State,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “We have a public interest in ensuring the continued vitality and sustainability of forest-land, not only in terms of public recreation, but also in terms of environmental protection. By tapping into existing preservation programs, we can ensure that New Jersey’s forests will survive over-development and suburban sprawl and continue to contribute to our efforts to reduce global warming in the State.”

SMITH - WATER TAX NECESSARY TO GUARANTEE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION FUNDS

TRENTON – Senator Bob Smith, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Environment Committee and a sponsor of legislation to constitutionally dedicate water tax revenues to fund open space and farmland preservation, issued the following statement regarding the Committee’s hearing on his measure today:

“Today’s hearing was the first step in ensuring permanent funding for vital open space and farmland preservation projects in the State of New Jersey. We heard important testimony regarding historic preservation which we will consider and hopefully vote on the bill on May 19.

PANTER/BURZICHELLI LAW PROVIDES $6M IN GRANTS TO QUALIFYING NON-PROFITS FOR FARMLAND PRESERVATION

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Michael J. Panter and John J. Burzichelli sponsored to provide $6 million in grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations for farmland preservation projects in 15 municipalities was ceremoniously signed into law today by Governor   Jon S. Corzine.

BODINE/PANTER LAW PROVIDES $15 MILLION FOR FARMLAND PRESERVATION EFFORTS

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Francis L. Bodine and Michael J. Panter sponsored to provide over $15 million in grants for farmland preservation in seven counties was ceremoniously signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

CONAWAY/MAYER/FISHER/PANTER MEASURE PROVIDES $45.15M STATEWIDE FOR PRESERVATION OF FARMLAND

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Herb Conaway Jr., David R. Mayer, Douglas H. Fisher and Michael J. Panter sponsored to provide $45 million for farmland preservation efforts around the state was ceremoniously signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

ASSEMBLY PASSES McKEON BILL TO SUSTAIN OPEN-SPACE PRESERVATION PROGRAM

(TRENTON) - New Jersey voters would have the opportunity this November to approve a $200 million plan to preserve open space through 2010 under legislation passed today in the General Assembly.