Acting Governor Tahesha Way has signed a new law that allocates $44.4 million from Corporate Business Tax (CBT) revenues to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The funds will be used for acquiring Green Acres open space lands and Blue Acres lands across the state.
Senator Parker Space, one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized the dual goals of conservation and community safety. “By signing this bill into law, we are making a clear commitment to protecting New Jersey’s open spaces while investing in the safety and resilience of our communities,” said Sen. Space. “This funding ensures that lands vital for recreation and conservation are preserved for future generations, while also strengthening programs like Blue Acres that help monitor, manage, and reduce flooding risks in our most vulnerable areas. Preserving our natural resources and protecting people’s property can go hand in hand, and this investment does both.”
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort also highlighted the importance of land preservation in New Jersey. “In a state as densely populated as New Jersey, proactive conservation is essential for restoring habitat and healthier wildlife populations,” said Asm. Inganamort. “This law ensures New Jerseyans can steward even more of our natural heritage, with an obligation to also proactively manage our forests, expand responsible recreation, and increase natural resilience.”
The legislation aims to support both recreational use and flood mitigation through targeted land acquisition.
The full text of the bill A-6275/S-4921 is available online.
