State Senators Ellen Karcher and Joseph Kyrillos

KARCHER-KYRILLOS BILL TO PROMOTE FORT MONMOUTH REDEVELOPMENT APPROVED BY SENATE

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Joseph Kyrillos which would create the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority and economically prepare the region for the federally-mandated closure of Fort Monmouth, was unanimously approved by the Senate today.

"The future of Fort Monmouth is a blank slate, and we need a talented panel of experts to guide the redevelopment to the benefit of the region," said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. "While the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission's closure of Fort Monmouth presents a significant hurdle to overcome to ensure the economic vitality of the region, with the proper planning authority in place, we will see a brighter tomorrow for Monmouth County."
"The future of Fort Monmouth is important to the region and the State. That's why I am pleased that it is a bipartisan bill that will serve to balance the interests of everyone involved in the process," said Senator Kyrillos, R-Monmouth and Middlesex.

The bill, S-1472, would establish the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority in the Department of the Treasury. The Authority would be responsible for developing and implementing an economic conversion and revitalization plan for the Fort Monmouth property. The panel would include the mayors of the three municipalities that have a direct stake in the property -- Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Oceanport -- as well as members appointed by the Governor, a local business representative, and State representatives with expertise in labor issues, environmental issues, and redevelopment and real estate issues.

"There are a number of competing interests in redeveloping the Fort Monmouth property, and we need a balanced Authority to work for the best plan for the region's residents," said Senator Karcher. "Between commercial and residential, environmental and economic, we need to find a middle ground that will serve the communities around the base. I think that the current Authority make-up in our bill represents the balance needed to move this project forward in everyone's interest."

"This legislation will provide a framework for the Authority to carry out its mission that will involve partnerships between the State, county and local governments with private sector leaders," said Senator Kyrillos. "The Authority has to develop a plan for the Fort that will include economic development, job creation, smart growth and environmental protection."

Senator Karcher also noted that the Revitalization Authority would be governed by strict ethics regulations to ensure that redevelopment is accomplished without corruption. Additionally, the Authority would have to comply with the State's "pay-to-play" restrictions that prohibit the agency from contracting with any business entity for more than $17,500 if the entity has made a contribution to any member of the Authority, or to the State, county or municipal party of any member sitting on the Authority.

"So often in the past, we've seen unscrupulous developers use redevelopment projects to line their pockets and leave taxpayers holding the bag," said Senator Karcher. "With this bill, we have protections in place to force a higher ethical standard and keep the Fort Monmouth revitalization efforts from falling into the same trap of corruption."

Identical legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Panter, is currently pending consideration by the General Assembly. Assemblyman Panter's bill was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee today by a vote of 10-2, with one abstention.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Jason Butkowski
New Jersey Senate Democrats
Tel: (609) 292-5215
E-Mail: jbutkowski@njleg.org
Web: www.njsendems.com