Senator Jim Holzapfel

September 16, 2008   

Contact: Kate Cocozza / (732) 840-9028
Senator Jim Holzapfel

Legislation which places a two-year moratorium on disputed public access regulations recently adopted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been singed into law by Governor Corzine. S-1533/A-2601 is sponsored by District 10 legislators, Andy Ciesla, Dave Wolfe and Jim Holzapfel.

The unlimited public access regulations created serious concerns from local marina owners. “Many marina owners have expressed valid concerns that allowing unlimited public access to their facilities may cause serious security and insurance liability issues, ” said Senator Ciesla. “The DEP regulations have also included that public access be permanently dedicated by marinas through deed restrictions as a condition when applying for permits to improve their facilities.”

This legislation will create the “Public Access and Marina Safety Task Force, ” a team consisting of 10-members, assigned to study and provide recommendations on the regulations. The task force will consists of a representative from the DEP, four elected public officials, experts in coastal and shore protection issues as well as representatives of marina operators. The task force will then report their findings to the Governor and Legislature by December 2010.

“The Task Force provides time for a comprehensive review of the DEP’s proposal while assessing the concerns of marina owners who feel their business could suffer from allowing public access to the waterfront.” said Assemblyman Holzapfel.

“I am pleased that my legislation has been signed into law because it ensures that the public has reasonable access to waterways, without requiring marinas to provide full public assess to privately owned facilities, ” added Assemblyman Wolfe.

Legislation which places a two-year moratorium on disputed public access regulations recently adopted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been singed into law by Governor Corzine. S-1533/A-2601 is sponsored by District 10 legislators, Andy Ciesla, Dave Wolfe and Jim Holzapfel. The [...]