In tough times let’s cut bad programs first

EDITORIAL

   Next year New Jersey faces a projected deficit of $4 billion. Against this stark backdrop, state officials and lawmakers are attempting to craft a budget. Unfortunately for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), budgeted expenses are almost $96 million less than last year.
   Considering the projected $4 billion deficit facing the state, cuts to environmental programs aren’t surprising. But $20 million has been added into the DEP budget to implement the so-called fast-track law.
   The fast-track law was passed last year to expedite development in so-called growth areas around the state. These growth areas were taken from New Jersey’s State Plan, which serves as a guide for growth and preservation. The growth area boundaries were broadly and generously drawn, in part, as a response to local pressure for growth. These boundaries were not intended to have regulatory impact, but that is just what is coming to pass under fast track.
   The fast-track law itself was "fast-tracked" through the Legislature last year. Almost no New Jersey lawmaker would disagree that the process of passing this law was seriously flawed. It became so embarrassing to former Gov. McGreevey and acting Gov. Codey that both delayed its implementation. And of the 120 lawmakers in the state Legislature, almost half (58) from both parties favor outright repeal of the law.
   Cuts in the DEP budget include reductions in spending for repairs and improvements at state parks, and a $6 million program to help towns pay for stormwater management plans. It also trims $1.5 million from the operating budgets of both the DEP’s enforcement and land management programs.
   The Division of Fish and Wildlife budget is mostly funded by fishing and hunting license fees. In recent years, rising costs of salaries and benefits, and falling license revenues produced a deficit in the division’s budget. The DEP has traditionally made up the difference from its general funds, which makes sense since hunters and fishermen aren’t the only ones who benefit from the division’s work — we all do.
   However, the FY2006 budget proposal leaves a $4 million hole in Fish and Wildlife’s budget.
   The Department of Environmental Protection states that, in spite of the budget cuts, it still will be able to provide better service to New Jersey residents and the regulated community, and stronger protection of the environment and natural resources. Certainly greater efficiencies at DEP could allow it to do more with less — always a worthy goal when taxpayer money is being spent.
   It’s understandable that cuts have to be made in good programs during tough economic times. But if the cuts must be made, let’s start by first cutting bad programs, and making sure that bad programs like fast track don’t get desperately needed funds for other, more critical projects. That $20 million could go a long way to protecting our water, air and lands.
   I hope you’ll contact me at 1-888-LAND-SAVE or [email protected], or visit NJCF’s Web site at www.njconservation.org, for more information about conserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources.
Michele S. Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.