This bill amends the existing Green Acres funding allocation to ensure that 10 percent of the funds designated for local government open space acquisition and development projects are specifically allocated for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds. This includes provisions for retrofitting existing playgrounds to meet inclusivity standards. The bill also stipulates that local government units that are not classified as urban aid municipalities can receive a grant covering 50 percent of the costs associated with developing these inclusive playgrounds.

In addition to the new allocation for inclusive playgrounds, the bill maintains the overall structure of the Preserve New Jersey Act, which dedicates corporation business tax revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. For State fiscal years 2020 and beyond, the act specifies that 60 percent of the funds will be used for State projects, 30 percent for local government projects, and 10 percent for qualifying nonprofit organizations. The bill reinforces the requirement for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and barrier-free codes for all development projects funded under the Green Acres program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:8C-48, 13:8C-52