The bill amends Section 26 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-26) to improve the allocation and utilization of funds from the Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund for recreation and conservation. It specifies that appropriated funds will be directed towards land acquisition, development, grants to local governments, and support for qualifying nonprofit organizations, while emphasizing geographic diversity in fund distribution. New appraisal methods for pinelands development credits are introduced, and any development credits obtained through land acquisitions using these funds must be permanently retired. The bill also outlines procedures for acquiring lands in the Highlands Region, focusing on appraisals based on current and historical land use, and prioritizing acquisitions that protect water resources and flood-prone areas.

Additionally, the bill amends existing legislation related to farmland preservation and the Highlands Protection Fund, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection and the committee to adopt regulations ensuring that improvements on preserved farmland do not harm water resources. It mandates consultation with the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to prioritize the acquisition of development easements and fee simple titles in the Highlands Region. The bill establishes the "Highlands Protection Fund," a non-lapsing fund to support financial aids and grants for property tax stabilization and watershed management, ensuring municipalities hosting watershed lands receive adequate financial support. Overall, the bill aims to enhance farmland preservation and water resource protection through a structured financial framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:8C-26, 13:8C-38, 13:8C-47.1, 13:20-19
Advance Law: 13:8C-26, 13:8C-38, 13:8C-47.1, 13:20-19
Pamphlet Law: 13:8C-26, 13:8C-38, 13:20-19