(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle to promote preservation in the Meadowlands and Hackensack River regions was recently approved 76-1 by the full Assembly.
The bill (A-2504) establishes the NJ Meadowlands Conservation Fund and provides for a designation on the state gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to to help support the work of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust.
“The Meadowlands Conservation Trust benefits land preservation in the Hackensack River and Meadowlands regions,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “The trust acquires land to permanently preserve wetlands, waterways and open space, offering flood protection, clean water, wildlife habitat and passive recreations. These are all vital to our quality of life, and I’m confident many New Jerseyans will lend a helping hand once we make it easier to do so.”
“The work of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust helps maintain a balance between development and land preservation in New Jersey. For the most densely populated state in the nation, this is critical,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “This bill will make it easier for residents to support this important work, and contribute directly to the conservation and enhancement of our natural reDests and our quality of life for present and future generations of New Jerseyans.”
The bill was approved Thursday and will now be referred to the Senate.
