McKEON BILL ASKING VOTERS TO OK MONEY FOR OPEN SPACE & HISTORIC PRESERVATION SIGNED INTO LAW Measure Asks Voters to Approve $400M for Garden State Preservation Trust (NEWARK) – Legislation Assemblyman John F. McKeon sponsored to authorize asking voters in November to approve a $400 million bond to pay for open space, farmland and historic preservation was signed into law today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine. “The New Jersey open space program is the nation’s most successful land preservation program, yet it has been left penniless while critical tracts of open space, farmland or historic sites are unprotected,” said McKeon (D-Essex), the Assembly environment chairman. “Neglect of this program would have serious impacts on our environment, health and quality of life.” The legislation (A-3901) asks voters whether to authorize the sale of $400 million in bonds to preserve land through the state’s Garden State Preservation Trust program. “By signing this open space ballot question measure, our Governor has courageously demonstrated his long-standing commitment to the environment,” McKeon said. “This measure empowers New Jersey voters to make an investment in our future, and allowing this crucial program to languish is an expense New Jerseyans simply cannot afford.” The Garden State Preservation Trust program has nearly spent all of the funding from the 2007 voter-supported bond measure. “Now is the time to protect New Jersey’s precious natural resources,” said McKeon. “During the current global economic downturn the state can gain the advantage in protecting valuable lands at unprecedented rates.” On the Net: www.assemblydems.comNJ Assembly Democrats on YouTubeNJ Assembly Democrats on FacebookSign up for NJ Assembly Dem e-mail alerts