This bill appropriates a total of $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues and various Green Acres funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for local government projects related to open space acquisition, park development, and planning initiatives. Specifically, $102,679,000 is designated for grants or loans to assist local government units in acquiring or developing lands for recreation and conservation purposes, while $3 million is allocated for a new Planning Grant program aimed at helping local governments identify needs for additional recreation and conservation initiatives. Additionally, $2,320,000 is earmarked for administrative costs associated with the implementation of these provisions.
The funding is structured to support various types of projects, including planning incentive open space acquisition projects, urban aid municipalities, and site-specific incentive acquisition projects. The bill defines criteria for densely or highly populated municipalities and counties, which are eligible for funding. It also allows for the reallocation of any remaining funds after the initial projects are funded, enabling the DEP to provide additional support for previously approved projects. Overall, the bill aims to enhance recreational and conservation opportunities across New Jersey, particularly in areas with higher population densities.