Connors, Rumpf & Van Pelt Enlisting Local Support for State Hearings on Barnegat Bay Estuary Program
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt are requesting local governing bodies adopt resolutions in support of actions called for by the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP), including the convening of joint legislative hearings to discuss the condition of the Bay.
The 9th District Legislative Delegation has written to the mayor and governing body of their constituent municipalities as well as each town in Ocean County soliciting support. Enclosed with their correspondence was a copy of the Resolution presented at the Program’s “State of the Bay Conference” which was held on October 16 and attended by members of the Delegation.
In their letter to the municipalities, Connors, Rumpf and Van Pelt made the following remarks:
“Recently, representatives of the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) unveiled a Resolution at its State of the Bay Conference, calling for the implementation of strategies to address the complex issues currently facing the Estuary that includes protecting water and habitat quality from an encroaching human presence and excess chemicals. Our Delegation strongly supports the Program’s efforts and, accordingly, we are working to assemble a unified coalition of support comprised of municipalities located throughout our Legislative District and Ocean County.
Enclosed for your review is the Resolution prepared by the BBNEP, which outlines the impacts threatening the ecological integrity of the Bay and provides an extensive list of organizations currently engaged in the Program’s protective efforts. As you are well aware, the Bay is an ecological treasure and source of deep pride for local residents, many of whom rely on the Bay for their livelihood through fishing, tourism or other successful industries. Unquestionably, our area has a long-standing interest in the Bay’s health, both in terms of qualify-of-life as well as economics. For these compelling reasons alone, we must work to ensure that the necessary resources are provided to protect the Bay and its wildlife.
As you will note from the Resolution, the Program is calling for joint hearings by the State Senate and State Assembly on the Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor Estuary. We wholeheartedly support this endeavor and fully intend to take an active role by working with the Legislative Leadership to see that such hearings are convened. Toward that goal, we are respectfully requesting that your governing body consider approving a resolution endorsing the Program’s recommended actions, including State legislative hearings. If your municipality does decide to adopt such a resolution, we respectfully request that our Delegation be provided a copy to demonstrate to the Legislative Leadership the broad-based support that exists for enhancing protections of the Bay.
Thank you, in advance, for your priority attention to this communication. Together, we can work toward preserving the Barnegat Bay Estuary to ensure that future generations also enjoy this truly unique ecological treasure. We look forward to working with you on this critically important environment issue.”
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