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Bill

Bill

S 4495

Allows use of Green Acres funds to fully fund certain projects on State-owned land by certain nonprofit organizations.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by John McKeon and 1 co-sponsor

The bill allows Green Acres funds to fully fund eligible state land projects undertaken by certain nonprofit organizations.

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4495

Summary of Bill S 4495 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

  • The bill authorizes the use of Green Acres funds to fully fund certain projects on State-owned land undertaken by specified nonprofit organizations.
  • It aims to streamline and expand consumption of Green Acres resources to support identified conservation or public access projects, leveraging nonprofit entities to implement or manage these initiatives.

Key provisions and changes

  • Green Acres funding flexibility: Enables Green Acres funds to be used to provide full funding (as opposed to partial or matching funding) for eligible projects on land owned by the State.
  • Eligible projects: Targets projects undertaken by certain nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated role or mandate related to land conservation, public recreation, open space preservation, or similar goals aligned with Green Acres objectives.
  • Mechanism of funding:
    • The bill outlines criteria and processes to determine project eligibility and the amount of funding provided by Green Acres.
    • May involve grant agreements, project milestones, reporting requirements, and compliance standards typical of Green Acres-funded initiatives.
  • Partnership framework: Establishes or clarifies the partnership relationship between the State and qualified nonprofits, including administration, oversight, and accountability measures to ensure prudent use of funds.
  • Administrative governance: Likely establishes or references state dept/agency responsibilities (e.g., oversight by a relevant state department or Green Acres program administrator) and any needed rulemaking or regulatory alignment.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and departments administering Green Acres funds.
  • Qualified nonprofit organizations designated to implement eligible projects on State-owned land.
  • Local communities and the public benefiting from enhanced state-owned lands (parks, open space, recreational facilities) funded through Green Acres.
  • Potentially contractors or vendors involved in project delivery, subject to state procurement and compliance rules.

Significant procedural and timeline aspects

  • Funding approval: Projects would require review and approval under Green Acres program processes, with specified criteria for full funding eligibility.
  • Compliance and reporting: Recipients would likely be required to meet project milestones, financial reporting, and compliance standards associated with Green Acres funding.
  • Oversight: Enhanced oversight provisions to monitor project progress and fund utilization, ensuring alignment with Open Space/Green Acres goals.
  • Effective date: The bill would specify when the new funding approach takes effect and whether it applies to projects already in the pipeline or only to future applications.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increased funding certainty: Nonprofits could secure full funding for eligible projects, potentially accelerating conservation or public access initiatives on State-owned land.
  • Eligibility scope: The bill’s success depends on how broadly “certain nonprofit organizations” are defined and what criteria determine eligibility.
  • Financial implications: Expanded use of Green Acres funds for full funding could affect budget allocations and require adjustments to Green Acres’ financial planning and reserves.
  • Oversight and accountability: Enhanced requirements may improve project outcomes but could impose administrative burdens on nonprofits and state agencies.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated intent and typical Green Acres funding mechanisms. For precise statutory language, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, funding caps, and effective dates, please consult the bill text and accompanying fiscal notes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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