Bipartisan legislation supporting capital projects and park development on lands administered under the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield supporting boating, camping and park development on lands administered under the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)

The bill (S-3361), sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield, appropriates almost $65 million to DEP from constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax (CBT) revenues for recreation and conservation purposes.

“This is an investment in the will of the people,” said Stanfield (R-8). “The taxpayers voiced their support for saving land from builders and preserving access for recreation. The money will fund important projects administered by the DEP’s Division of Parks and Forestry and the Division of Fish and Wildlife, ensuring boating and fishing opportunities, better maintained campsites, cabins and facilities, and vital repairs to bridges, park buildings and dams.”

Funding in the bill is funneled through the Preserve New Jersey Act and was approved by voters in November 2014.

The act provides that a portion of dedicated CBT revenues allocated each year for the Green Acres program is to be used for the acquisition of lands for open space, including Blue Acres projects, and development projects on State lands administered by the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry; grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects; and grants to nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes.