Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, sponsor of a constitutional amendment to establish a long-term funding source for open space preservation, issued the following statement after the measure, SCR84/ACR130, was passed by the full Assembly today.

“This marks an important day for the future of New Jersey as voters now have the opportunity to make sure there is a stable funding source to protect lands that guard against flooding and water contamination and preserve open spaces important to the natural beauty of their communities,” said Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex). “New Jersey has a long history of preservation and by dedicating just a small percentage of corporate business taxes we can guarantee those efforts will continue long into the future without adding any burden on taxpayers. With a sustainable funding source for Blue Acres programs the state will be better equipped to protect homeowners and businesses in areas prone to flooding like Manville. It took a lot of effort to get to this point but the overwhelming support in the Senate and Assembly show this was a solution well worth fighting for. I thank all of those who contributed to the discussion and helped push this measure forward.”

A constitutional amendment dedicating a portion of corporate business tax revenues for the next three decades to fund preservation of the state’s diminishing open spaces, as well as flood prone areas and historic structures will now go on the November ballot for voter approval. The Senate passed SCR84 by a vote of 36-1 on June 26.