Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Andrew Zwicker, Herb Conaway Jr., M.D, Bruce Land, Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling to invest in the preservation of places of historical significance in New Jersey is now law.
The new law (A-4583) appropriates approximately $3 million to the New Jersey Historic Trust to provide grants for various historic preservation projects in Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Sussex and Union counties. The funds are derived from the 2009 Historic Preservation Fund and the unexpended balance of constitutionally-dedicated corporation business tax revenues in the Diesel Risk Mitigation Fund.
“The Daniel Robert House, which houses Borough Hall and the borough’s library, is a center of civic life in Somerville,” said Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “Historic sites like this are all over our state. These sites bind us not just to each other, but also to our state’s rich past. We must invest in preserving them.”
“There is economic value in preserving our historical places and sites,” said Conaway (D-Burlington). “Preservation can make our state more appealing as a heritage tourism destination.”
“New Jersey is rich in history,” said Land (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “We should make every effort to preserve this history for future generations.”
“Historic sites like All Saints’ Memorial Church and the Count Basie Theatre add a great deal of value to life in New Jersey,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “Investing in their upkeep is critical to ensuring that they are appreciated long into the future.”
“A visit to a place like the Burrowes Mansion forces us to stop and realize just how much of America’s history happened right in our own backyard,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “That’s a huge point of pride for New Jersey. This money will go a long way toward preserving some of our state’s most celebrated historic sites.”
The measure received unanimous approval from both houses of the legislature before being signed into law by the governor on Thursday.