Senator Christopher Connors

July 30, 2009   

Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, Senator Christopher J. Connors

9th Legislative District Hosts Joint Senate-Assembly Environment Committee

Emphasizing both the environment and economic aspects of the issue, Senator Christopher J. Connors testified during a joint Senate-Assembly Environment Committee hearing today on the pressing need to protect the Barnegat Bay.  Today’s public hearing was held in Lacey Township at the request of the 9th District Delegation.

In his testimony to the Committee, Senator Connors made the following remarks:

“On behalf of Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and myself, I want to thank Chairman Smith and Chairman McKeon for agreeing to host today’s hearing here in the 9th Legislative District.  I also want to take this opportunity to thank Lacey Township officials for making available this wonderful venue.

“The 9th Legislative District is proudly comprised of a number of bayfront communities, including the Barnegat Bay, as well as the Manahawkin, Little Egg Harbor and Great bay region.  All have a vested interest in the preservation of this vital waterway and precious natural resource.  We recognize the importance and value of the Barnegat and adjacent bays to our region and to this state.  The bay plays an intricate role in the local area, perhaps most predominantly in the local economy.  From tourism and the recreational fishing industry, to the hard-working baymen, including the commercial hard clam and crabbing industry.

“Just yesterday I spoke with a representative of this industry.  This individual conveyed to me that he was going to make every effort to attend today, however, his industry would most likely be submitting written testimony on account that he and his colleagues would be working the water as it’s their busy season.  Over the years, I have come to rely on the insight of the commercial hard clam industry as to the condition of the Bay and possible impacts on those industries whose operations center primarily on the Bay.

“Assemblyman Rumpf and I requested a hearing on the Barnegat Bay in response to the growing concerns expressed to us about the condition of the Bay and certain changes that are occurring that could threaten the unique and diverse wildlife that currently inhabit it.  It is important to note that other parts of the country, including the states surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, have been compelled to take on the very difficult challenge of protecting their bays from harmful actions, even if unintentional.

“To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the condition of the Barnegat Bay, our Delegation continues to maintain an open line of communication with the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program.  Its staff, led by Program Director Dr. L. Stanton Hales, who will be testifying shortly, continues to advise our Delegation along with Michael De Luca of the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at the University at Rutgers.  I am sure that members of the Committee and representatives of the relevant State agencies will find the testimony offered by these two individuals on behalf of their respective organizations invaluable in determining the best course of action in which to proceed for better protecting the Barnegat Bay.

“On a personal note I want to testify for the record that, as a lifelong resident of Ocean County, I have a true appreciation for what a true natural treasure the Barnegat Bay is for our state.  As an avid recreational fisherman, I stand with the thousands of residents in supporting protective measures that will ensure future generations will not only know a healthy Barnegat Bay that is enjoyed as a vacation destination but, equally important, will continue to serve as a unique habitat to a number of thriving wildlife species.  The number of concerned organizations here today from across the state stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of residents who share a common goal to protect the Barnegat Bay.”

9th Legislative District Hosts Joint Senate-Assembly Environment Committee Emphasizing both the environment and economic aspects of the issue, Senator Christopher J. Connors testified during a joint Senate-Assembly Environment Committee hearing today on the pressing need to protect the Barnegat Bay.  Today’s public hearing was held [...]