Open Space to be on the Ballot in November
On Tuesday, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation which will allow voters on Nov. 3, Election Day, to approve $400 million in bonds to purchase more farmland for recreation and conservation purposes.
“Protection of our invaluable natural resources is an ongoing challenge, and demands the input of our citizens on how best to achieve our preservation goals,” said Governor Corzine. “New Jerseyans have a long and distinguished history as good stewards of the environment, and this gives our citizens the opportunity to preserve our open spaces, safeguard our water supply, and curb the proliferation of urban sprawl.''
Since 1961 voters have approved every open space bond issue put before them. The 12 bond issues have resulted in the state spending $2.1 billion to preserve the state's dwindling farmland and other open space for future generations.
If voters approve the ballot question, $218 million would go towards the Green Acres public recreation and conservation program, $146 million to farm preservation, $24 million to flood relief through the Blue Acres program, and $12 million would be used to preserve historic sites.
“Protection of our invaluable natural resources is an ongoing challenge, and demands the input of our citizens on how best to achieve our preservation goals,” said Governor Corzine. “New Jerseyans have a long and distinguished history as good stewards of the environment, and this gives our citizens the opportunity to preserve our open spaces, safeguard our water supply, and curb the proliferation of urban sprawl.''
Since 1961 voters have approved every open space bond issue put before them. The 12 bond issues have resulted in the state spending $2.1 billion to preserve the state's dwindling farmland and other open space for future generations.
If voters approve the ballot question, $218 million would go towards the Green Acres public recreation and conservation program, $146 million to farm preservation, $24 million to flood relief through the Blue Acres program, and $12 million would be used to preserve historic sites.
