TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg which would give administrative authority of Historic New Bridge Landing State Park to the Historic New Bridge Landing State Park Commission was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.
“Today’s vote put the Commission one step closer to having more autonomy in administering the funds already allocated in the State budget for Historic New Bridge Landing State Park,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “This is a very important site to the residents of New Jersey. It is the place where George Washington’s troops retreated and where Thomas Paine conceived the words ‘These are the times that try men’s souls.’ It’s good to finally have this funding where it belongs.”
Senator Weinberg’s bill, S-1644, would reallocate any State funding appropriated for Historic New Bridge Landing State Park to the Commission, which would then distribute the money as needed.
Currently, all funding for the Park is administered through the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Parks and Forestry.
The Commission would also be responsible for drafting and adopting a master plan for the physical development of the park. The report would need to include plans for future development or preservation, and the Commission would have to permit citizen involvement in the planning process. Upon its completion, the master plan would be submitted to the DEP Commissioner for review and approval.
The bill would also clarify that the Commission’s jurisdiction would extend to all publicly-owned lands, buildings and structures within the park, including Steuben Place.
This measure now heads to the full Assembly for approval.
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