VAN DREW/ALBANO/MORIARTY/McKEON MEASURE PROVIDING $40 MILLION IN OPEN SPACE FUNDS SIGNED INTO LAW

(TRENTON)- Legislation authorizing $40 million for open space acquisition was ceremoniously signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

The measure (A-4257) was sponsored by Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May), Nelson Albano (D-Cumberland), Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester), and John McKeon (D-Essex).

The law appropriates $40 million from the "Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund" to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the acquisition of lands by the state for recreation or conservation purposes.

Of the 11 projects identified under the law, $2.5 million is earmarked for the Cape May Peninsula and $3.5 million is earmarked for the Delaware Bay Watershed Greenway - both of which are in Van Drew and Albano's 1st Legislative District.

"Both of these land acquisition endeavors will help preserve natural resources and our region of the state while promoting world-class bird watching and other tourism industry activities," said Van Drew.  "These investments are environmentally prudent and fiscally sound."

"Whether it is Delaware Bay and its coastal tributaries or rural properties in Cape May, this law will go a long way towards protecting the unique character of our region," said Albano. "The money being provided here for recreation and conservation projects will profoundly benefit our communities, our residents, and our economy."

The law also provides $3.5 million for the Delaware River Watershed Greenway, which stretches from Salem County to Sussex County.

"The Delaware River watershed is vital to the South Jersey region's environmental health," said Moriarty.  "This is a quality-of-life investment that will pay dividends for generations."

The total list of projects being funded by the new law had been approved earlier by the state DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust.

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