This bill amends existing legislation to permit counties and municipalities in New Jersey to utilize their open space trust funds specifically for the remediation of collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on properties they own. The current law allows for the establishment of County and Municipal Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Funds, but this bill expands the scope of these funds to include mine remediation efforts. The new legal language introduces the concept of a "County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Mine Remediation Trust Fund" and a "Municipal Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Mine Remediation Trust Fund," which will be created to facilitate these activities.

To access these funds for remediation purposes, counties and municipalities must adopt an ordinance and conduct public hearings, ensuring transparency and community involvement. The bill outlines specific public notice requirements, including the need to inform relevant stakeholders and the public about the remediation plans, estimated costs, and potential impacts on existing open space initiatives. Importantly, while the bill allows for the use of these funds without direct voter approval, it maintains a framework for public engagement and oversight through the ordinance adoption process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:12-15.1