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ALBANO & MILAM BILL TO DEDICATE FUNDS FOR FARMLAND PRESERVATION NOW LAW

Agriculture and Natural Resources News & Releases

Cape May and Cumberland counties among beneficiaries

(1ST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Nelson T. Albano and Matthew Milam dedicating funds for farmland preservation throughout New Jersey including Cape May and Cumberland counties was signed into law Wednesday.
“New Jersey may be the most densely populated state, but it’s also home to splendid stretches of nature,” said Albano. “These funds will protect us from overdevelopment, and ensure there will be more farmland and open spaces for future generations to enjoy.”

“Farmland preservation invests in New Jersey’s past and future,” said Milam. “These funds help generations of farmers continue the agricultural tradition in New Jersey, and municipalities balance development with farmland and open space.”

Preservation projects benefiting include several in the 1st legislative district, including:

  • $1.5 million grant to Cape May County;
  • $1.5 million grant to Cumberland County;
  • $750,000 grant to for farmland preservation in Upper Deerfield Township.

In addition, this bill appropriates $3.85 million from the “2009 Farmland Preservation Fund” to the SADC for the following:

  • $3.6 million for the organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment, materials and services necessary to administer the applicable provisions of the “Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009.”
  • $200,000 for the review of appraisals for all farmland preservation programs administered by the SADC; and
  • $500,000 for purchasing and erecting farmland preservation signs on preserved farmland

Funding for the $23.5 million comes the “Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009”, and the “Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust.”

The SADC leads in the preservation of New Jersey’s farmland and promotes innovative approach to maintaining the viability of agriculture.