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. While voter approval is not required for the use of these funds, the governing bodies must adhere to the established procedures for public engagement and financial oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:12-15.1