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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Nicholas P. Scutari and Barbara Buono which would provide $1.3 million in federal funding to remove thousands of trees that have been infested by Asian Longhorn Beetles. The bill was approved by the full Senate today.

“The Asian Longhorn Beetles first appeared in October, and began destroying the trees of Middlesex and Union counties,” said Senator Scutari, D-Middlesex, Somerset and Union. “While the insects present no threat to public health, they pose a significant risk to New Jersey’s trees and forests. With no known predator to control them the beetles will continue to spread and kill even more hardwood trees, and, therefore, the Asian Longhorn Beetle problem needs to be handled effectively and immediately before the infestation sweeps throughout the rest of the State.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, which would provide $1.3 million in federal funding to remove thousands of trees that have been infested by Asian Longhorn Beetles, was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.

“The counties of Middlesex and Union have been the hardest hit areas in the State,” said Senator Scutari.

“The infestation of the Asian Longhorn Beetle is a serious matter because if not controlled, the insects could have devastating effects on the trees throughout New Jersey, and the problem could easily spread to other states,” said Senator Scutari, D-Middlesex, Somerset and Union. “Late last year the first cases of Asian Longhorn Beetle infestation were detected in Northern New Jersey and if this problem is not handled effectively and immediately, the lumber industry throughout the nation could be decimated.”