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."

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. Importantly, while counties and municipalities can use these funds without direct voter approval, they are restricted from increasing the levy amounts previously approved by voters without further voter consent. This legislation aims to address safety and environmental concerns related to collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes while maintaining public oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:12-15.1