Contact:

FRED FEINER, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
PHONE: 908-234-1225, EXT. 104
FRED@NJCONSERVATION.ORG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor’s Budget Fails to Fund Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation

The Future of the Garden State Preservation Trust Uncertain

TRENTON, NJ, February 22, 2007 – The Keep It Green Campaign, a coalition of over 90 statewide and local environmental, sportsmen, urban park advocate, historic preservation and faith-based organizations from across the state, expressed their disappointment today that funds were not included in the Governor’s budget to renew and strengthen the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT). The GSPT, New Jersey’s program for open space, farmland and historic preservation, will be out of funds this year.

"The Governor included renewal of the GSPT as a priority in his recent State of the State address. The absence of any funding for the program in the proposed budget leaves us wondering about the future of preservation in New Jersey," said Alison Mitchell, Policy Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

“Despite the Governor’s past statements that funding open space is a priority this year, not nearly enough has been done to identify funding sources. The bankruptcy of the Garden State Preservation Trust jeopardizes all aspects of our environment from clean air to healthy drinking water to the survival of diverse wildlife living in our state,” said Dena Mottola Jaborska, Executive Director, Environment New Jersey.

While the Coalition recognizes the budget is tight, New Jersey cannot afford to not to make this investment in open space, farmland and historic preservation. “For the first time in decades, we won’t have any money for open space. Open space protection is important for our quality of life and economy. Delaying reauthorization of the GSPT will mean more sprawl, more traffic and more pollution,” said Jeff Tittel, Director, NJ Sierra Club.

“We are running out of time to preserve these lands. Already the most densely populated state, New Jersey will reach full build out in less than 25 years. We must replenish the fund before it is too late as a vital investment in our communities and our quality of life,” said Joanna Wolaver, Conservation Project Coordinator, NJ Audubon Society

Protecting open spaces stabilizes local property taxes. The acquisition of open space requires little in the way of services and does not burden the municipal tax role. These areas quickly pay for themselves, and then provide long-term savings and substantial environmental and economic benefits to communities.

"We can't afford to wait to make necessary investments in protecting lands that ensure we have clean drinking water, stabilize local property taxes and help generate economic growth by making New Jersey a more attractive place for companies to relocate or expand. Once land is lost to sprawling development, it is gone forever," said Terrence Nolan, New Jersey Director, The Trust for Public Land

These areas promote the growth of local economies by creating a high quality of life that attracts taxpaying businesses and residents and redirects growth back into urban areas. In addition, they increase retail and tourism activity and attract new industries and skilled workers to communities across our state.

In addition, local governments depend on GSPT funds as a match for local open space taxes collected by all 21 counties and more than 225 municipalities. If we do not replenish the Trust, these matching funds will no longer be available.

Funding for continued protection of open space is also necessary to safeguard our public water supply and water quality in our rivers and streams.

“We have had more funding for open space in worse budget years than this one. The open space program is being cut, which will result in higher property taxes and dirtier drinking water. The Governor needs to fulfill his commitment to renew and strengthen the GSPT this year,” said Dave Pringle, Campaign Director, NJ Environmental Federation.