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ALBANO & MILAM BILL TO PRESERVE OPEN SPACE IN CAPE MAY, CUMBERLAND & ATLANTIC COUNTIES SIGNED INTO LAW

(1st LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam to allocate voter-approved funding to preserve open space throughout Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic counties was signed into law on Wednesday.
The bill (A-4051) appropriates $14.8 million in voter-approved Green Acres and Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust funding to provide grants to assist qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
“Open space preservation and conservation is vital to the quality-of-life and economic strength of this region,” Albano said. “These projects represent another big step toward ensuring a clean environment and the benefits that come with conservation remain key parts of our communities and economy. The voters have repeatedly made clear their commitment to preservation and conservation, and with laws like this we’re turning that support into results.”
“The well-being of Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic counties is closely tied to a strong tourism industry and economy based on a pristine environment and smart conservation efforts,” Milam said. “Those goals are the focal point of this bill, which is why we’re so pleased to see it signed into law. These projects will preserve our quality-of-life and benefit residents and area businesses for years to come.”
The bill provides, among other things:
· $275,000 for Delaware Bay acquisitions in Cape May and Cumberland.
· $750,000 for projects that include Delaware Bay estuary acquisitions in Cumberland.
· $550,000 for projects that include conservation efforts in Burden Hill Forest and the Delaware Bay in Cape May and Cumberland.
· $550,000 for various conservancy efforts in Cape May and Cumberland.
· $550,000 for projects that include conservations efforts in Somers Point in Atlantic County.