GOVERNOR CEREMONIALLY SIGNS GSPT LEGISLATION

Governor Jon S. Corzine today ceremonially signed five pieces of legislation appropriating a total of $137 million dollars from the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund for open space, farmland and soil and water preservation and protection.

"Whether we are protecting our drinking water, preserving open space and historic sites for future generations to enjoy or maintaining the farmland that made New Jersey the Garden State, the Garden State Preservation Trust has been uniquely successful at sustaining our quality of life," Governor Corzine said. "Open space preservation has widespread, bipartisan support, and this legislation highlights the importance of the open space ballot question, which will allow us to continue funding the GSPT while we develop a permanent funding source."

The bills, which the Governor signed privately in September, are:

- A-4257/S-2754 (Van Drew, Albano, Moriarty, McKeon, Panter/Smith, Asselta) - Appropriates $40 million from "Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund" for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.

- A-4259/S-2756 (Moriarty, Fisher/Lesniak) - Appropriates $30,660,000 from "Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust Fund" for farmland acquisitions, and appropriates certain bond funds for soil and water conservation grants.

-A-4260/S-2755 (Conaway, Mayer, Fisher, Panter/Sweeney, Madden) - Appropriates $45.15 million from "Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust Fund" for farmland preservation purposes.

-A-4261/S-2741 (Bodine, Panter/Karcher, Bark) - Appropriates $15,375,000 from "Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust Fund" for planning incentive grants to counties and municipalities for farmland preservation purposes.

-A-4262/S-2760 (Panter, Burzichelli/Lance, Kavanaugh) - Appropriates $6 million from "Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust Fund" for grants to certain nonprofit organizations for farmland preservation purposes.

"The Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund was established in 1999 to provide money to acquire and maintain open space in the State over the course of 10 years," said Senator Bob Smith, (D-Middlesex, Somerset), a Senate sponsor of A-4257/S-2754. "Although funds may be low, the Green Acres program is making a commitment to continue the aggressive preservation program in the Highlands. Eighteen million dollars from this total $40 million appropriation will be dedicated to Highlands acquisitions. I strongly believe that we must protect our water supply from contamination and pollution brought on by overdevelopment."

"These investments are environmentally prudent and fiscally sound," said Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic), an Assembly sponsor of A-4257/S-2754.

"New Jersey's diverse land use is as diverse as our population," said Senator Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), a Senate sponsor of A-4259/S-2756. "Preserving open space improves our quality of life, preserves our environment, enhances tourism in our state, and opens our economy to agricultural industries."

"Our state's farms and natural resources are under constant siege," said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester, Camden), an Assembly sponsor of A-4259/S-2756. "The land easements and conservation projects that are to receive funding under this law will safeguard our state's agricultural production and protect the quality of life in dozens of communities around the state."

"New Jersey's farmers work hard to grow exceptional produce that is not just enjoyed here in New Jersey, but also around the world," said Senator Steve Sweeney, (D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem), a Senate sponsor of A-4260/S-2755. "This program represents an investment in development and preservation for farmland throughout the state."

"New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country and we are losing farmland at a rate of 50 acres a day," said Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D.(D-Burlington, Camden), who sponsored A-4260/S-2755 in the Assembly. "The money that is being provided under this new law will help New Jersey hold the line on runaway development while safeguarding dwindling open space for future generations."

"I am proud to sponsor legislation that will provide the necessary funds to protect farmland from being destroyed by overdevelopment," said Senator Ellen Karcher (D-Mercer, Monmouth), a Senate sponsor of A-4261/S-2741. "Residents of District 12 have seen acres and acres of land lost to development. If we do not take the necessary steps towards preservation, future generations will not be able to enjoy our Jersey Fresh products."

"The preservation of farmland is key to ensuring a viable future for agriculture in New Jersey and quality open space for future generations of our residents," said Assemblyman Francis L. Bodine (D-Moorestown), an Assembly sponsor of A-4261/S-2741. "This new law will allow the state to hold the line on runaway development while protecting New Jersey's rich agricultural roots in dozens of communities across the state."

"I am glad to have sponsored this law. Preserved farmland serves a living reminder of our heritage," said Senator Lance (R-Warren, Hunterdon), who sponsored A-4262/S-2760 in the Senate. "This law is not a tribute to an outmoded way of life. This law is about New Jersey's future; in the nation's most densely populated state farmland is a vital asset.It provides valuable open space, clean drinking water and flood control."

"In my district and throughout Central New Jersey, New Jersey has been moving at a rapid clip for about 20 years," said Assemblyman Michael J. Panter (D-Monmouth, Mercer), who sponsored A-4262/S-2760 in the Assembly. "These are prudent investments to protect dwindling tracts of farmland and open space. It's crucial that we safeguard these lands from the bulldozer while these parcels are still available."

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Photos and audio and video clips from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/