TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher that would allow for additional funding for open space, recreation and historical site preservation was unanimously approved today by the Senate Environment Committee.
“It’s about time that we curb sprawl in the state of New Jersey,” said Senator Karcher, D-Mercer and Monmouth. “This bill will give municipalities greater options in funding their fight against overdevelopment.”
Senator Karcher’s measure, S-1890, would provide that counties and municipalities may deposit funds from any source into County and Municipal Open Space, Recreation and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Funds, as the counties and municipalities deem necessary.
The measure would also allow local government to enter into agreements with charitable organizations and other tax exempt nonprofit to procure and maintain historic artifacts and documents, and property for recreation, historic and farmland conservation purposes. Such agreements would be exempted from the requirements and provisions of the “Local Public Contracts Law.”
“This measure is granting local governments more flexibility in securing the funds necessary to preserve open space,” Senator Karcher said.
This measure now heads to the full Senate for approval.