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 terms "County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Mine Remediation Trust Fund" and "Municipal Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Mine Remediation Trust Fund," which will be created for these purposes.

To access these funds for remediation projects, 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 proposed remediation plans, costs, and impacts. Additionally, it stipulates that neither counties nor municipalities can increase the levy amount previously approved by voters without further voter consent. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance public safety and environmental protection by allowing local governments to address the hazards posed by collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes using existing financial resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:12-15.1