Historically, the New Jersey Legislature has appropriated significant monies for Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Funding for the Garden State; however, since state revenues are down in New Jersey and the Garden State Preservation Trust (“GSPT”) is virtually depleted, the New Jersey Legislature left this issue for its voters to decide this November. The Green Acres, Water Supply and Farmland Preservation Bond Act of 2009 was signed into law by Gov. Corzine and the Act allows a ballot measure that would authorize the issuance of $400 million in state bonds for the acquiring and developing of lands for recreation and conservation purposes. Included in these monies is funding for the preservation of farmland by helping curb urban sprawl.
New Jersey Farm Bureau (“NJFB”) has joined over 130 other organizations in the New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition to help campaign for open space funding. You can visit the Coalition’s facebook page here or view the Coalition’s resource’s here. NJFB has ranked the preservation of farmland in its Top 10 Policy Issues List for 2009 since urban sprawl has become a serious issue for New Jersey farmers.
As I stated in this blog, I believe that it is extremely important for New Jersey residents to vote on this issue whether you agree or disagree with this funding initiative. New Jersey residents can find voter registration forms online here.