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S 4921

Appropriates $44.4 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Troy Singleton and 2 co-sponsors

S 4921 allocates $44.4 million in state tax revenue to DEP for flood-prone property buyouts and farmland conservation programs in New Jersey.

Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 4921

Legislative bill overview

S 4921 appropriates $44.4 million in constitutional tax revenues (CBT) to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for acquiring land designated for recreation and conservation. The funds specifically support Blue Acres buyout projects—which relocate residents from flood-prone areas—and administrative costs for the Green Acres Program, which protects farmland and open space.

Why is this important

The bill directly addresses two pressing New Jersey priorities: climate resilience through flood mitigation and preservation of remaining undeveloped land. Blue Acres acquisitions reduce future disaster recovery costs and flood insurance burdens, while Green Acres protects agricultural land from sprawl. These investments affect property values, municipal tax bases, and long-term environmental quality across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutionally dedicated funds: Using CBT revenues (already constitutionally earmarked) requires justifying why these specific uses warrant priority over other environmental spending obligations
  • Blue Acres buyout scope: Questions about which communities benefit, whether relocation offers fair market value, and whether this approach adequately addresses systemic flood risk versus structural solutions
  • Administrative overhead: The inclusion of Green Acres "administrative costs" raises scrutiny about how much of the $44.4 million covers bureaucracy versus actual land acquisition

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

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