SCHAER & SCALERA BILLS PROVIDING FOR OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PARKS NEAR FINAL VOTE (TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Gary Schaer and Fred Scalera to help preserve open space throughout the 36th Legislative District has been approved by an Assembly panel. “This open space preservation was both supported by the voters and is a sensible approach to maintain and improve parks, recreation and ensure a strong environment as we strive for smart development,” said Schaer (D-Passaic-Bergen-Essex). “These efforts will benefit our families and communities for generations.” “Saving land for recreation and conservation in the most densely populated state in the nation is supported by voters and the right thing to do,” said Scalera (D-Essex-Bergen-Passaic). “This is a wise investment that will pay off by helping create a foundation for a strong recreation and tourism industry and benefiting our economy.”The preservation funding was approved by voters in 2007. The bills would provide • $120.12 million for local government open space acquisition and park development. (A-3897). It includes $1.25 million for Bergen County, $1 million for Garfield, $500,000 for East Rutherford, $500,000 for Passaic City, $131,665 for Rutherford, $125,000 for North Arlington and $100,000 for Wood-Ridge. It also includes $1.5 million for Essex County to improve Yanticaw Park in Nutley and $750,000 for Nutley to redevelop Monsignor Owens Park. • $19.91 million for nonprofits to buy land for recreation and conservation. (A-3898). It includes $700,000 for Passaic River preservation and $350,000 for all Bergen, Essex and Passaic communities for open space and Hudson-Raritan estuary preservation. The measures passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and are expected to be considered by the Assembly on Thursday for final legislative approval. To view details of the bills please visit www.njleg.state.nj.us.On the Net: www.assemblydems.comwww.youtube.com/user/njassemblydemsNew Jersey Assembly Democrats on Facebookhttp://www.assemblydems.com/Subscription/SubscriptionSignIn.asp