A Number of Camden & Gloucester Projects to Benefit
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Camden/Gloucester) allocating $57 million in voter-approved funding to help local governments acquire open space for preservation and develop lands for recreation and conservation was signed into law on Wednesday.
“Without proper protection, some of our greatest natural resources would go to waste,” said Moriarty. “As the Garden State, we have a responsibility to preserve and maintain these properties so our residents can enjoy them to the fullest. These funds will be especially helpful during this difficult economic time when cash-strapped towns are trying to remain below the two-percent property tax cap.”
The law (S-2859/A-4050) appropriates a total of $57 million, including $45 million from the “2009 Green Acres Fund” to provide funding to acquire land for recreation and conservation purposes and $12 million from the “2009 Blue Acres Fund” to provide funding to acquire properties for recreation and conservation purposes that are prone to flooding, have incurred flood or storm damage, or may buffer or protect other lands from such damage.
Among the projects in the 4th Legislative District that will receive funding under this new law are:
– $3 million in funding to preserve a number of natural areas, including Campus Swamp and Hidden Lake in Gloucester Twp, Camden County;
– $1 million for various youth camps, including Franklin Twp in Gloucester County; and
– $5 million for Pinelands preservation, including property in Franklin Twp and Monroe Twp in Gloucester County.