The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has voted unanimously to pass a resolution supporting legislation that would advance an effort to dedicate state funding for the preservation of open space.
“This legislation would continue to grant funding for preservation programs that have been in place for more than 50 years,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “Monmouth County has benefited from the previous state programs and we have considerable remaining unmet needs for land and water conservation, farmland and historic preservation, and park development.”
According to a press release, the bill, New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (SCR2) would dedicate $200 million, or 2.4 percent, whichever is less, of sales annually from 2015 to 2044 and use tax revenue for preservation of open space, including flood prone areas and lands that protect water supplies, farmland and historic properties.
“Preservation of open space, parks, farmland and historic sites is necessary for the health and welfare of Monmouth County communities and residents,” Freeholder Gary J. Rich Sr. said. “It is imperative that a long-term source of funding be established to maintain and protect quality of life and economic prosperity in Monmouth County and in the state.”
“SCR2 would provide the dedicated, stable source of funding needed to continue the state’s current programs for open space,” Burry said. “This would help advance our efforts to protect flood-prone lands, keep farmland viable and preserve historic resources.”
According to the press release, Monmouth County has preserved 15,934 acres for public use that are managed by the Monmouth
County Park System. The county’s farmland preservation program has permanently preserved more than 14,776 acres and is overseen by the county’s Agriculture Development Board.
The freeholders’ vote took place at the board’s regular meeting on Feb. 27.