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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which will provide for a one-time diversion of funds from the State’s “Shore Protection Fund” to pay for park operations in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Corzine.

“New Jersey’s parks represent valuable natural resources and recreational opportunities to be shared by all the people of the State,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, and a member of the Senate Environment Committee. “Particularly in a year in which gas prices are exceeding $4 a gallon, New Jersey’s citizens depend on world-class recreational facilities closer to home. Through this law, we’ve guaranteed that when New Jerseyans go to visit one of the State’s pristine parks this year, they won’t be greeted by padlocks and ‘No Trespassing’ signs.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would provide for a one-time diversion of funds from the State’s “Shore Protection Fund” to pay for park operations in New Jersey was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 22-17, receiving final legislative approval.

“Earlier this year, when Governor Corzine proposed slashing park funding as part of a tough, no-frills State budget, the people of New Jersey rightfully demanded restorations,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, and a member of the Senate Environment Committee. “Particularly in a year when gasoline prices are through the roof and families are seeking recreational opportunities closer to home, deep cuts in park services and operations would have been devastating. Through this measure, we’re giving parks a one-year delay in any cuts while we seek new funding sources in the next fiscal year.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would provide for a one-time diversion of funds from the State’s “Shore Protection Fund” to pay for park operations in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today by a vote of 9-5.

“For so many New Jersey residents, our State parks represent a glimpse of New Jersey’s history or a valuable chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, and a member of the Senate Environment Committee. “We saw just how precious New Jerseyans consider their parks earlier in the year, when hundreds of State residents protested the Governor’s tough decision to eliminate funding for park services in his proposed FY 09 Budget. Through this bill, we would be able to tap an existing surplus to make sure that State parks are fully operational in the upcoming fiscal year.”