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Bill

A 5334

Appropriates $77,406,208 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects, and for certain administrative expenses.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Freiman and 2 co-sponsors

The bill appropriates 77,406,208 from CBT and Green Acres funds to DEP for local open space acquisition and park development, plus related administrative costs.

Substituted by S4423
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5334

Bill Overview

  • Bill: A 5334 (New Jersey, Assembly)
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Appropriates $77,406,208 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for local government open space acquisition and park development projects, and for certain administrative expenses.
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsor: Carmen Morales
    • Co-sponsor: Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to provide targeted funding to the DEP for two broad purposes:
1. Local government open space acquisition and park development projects.
2. Related administrative expenses necessary to administer these programs and related DEP activities.

Funding is drawn from constitutionally dedicated Revenues from the Casino Revenue (CBT) category and from various Green Acres funds, implying a use of existing, dedicated streams rather than general fund dollars.

Key Provisions

  • Amounts: $77,406,208 is appropriated.
  • Funding sources:
    • Constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues (Casino Revenue) balances or streams.
    • Various Green Acres funds (dedicated to open space, farmland, and park development programs).
  • Eligible uses:
    • Local government open space acquisition (purchasing land or interests in land to preserve open space).
    • Park development projects (improvements to parks, trails, recreation facilities, and related infrastructure).
    • Administrative expenses associated with implementing and managing these programs (likely including staff, compliance, and project oversight costs at the DEP).
  • Administration: The Department of Environmental Protection is the primary recipient and administrator of the funds, coordinating with local governments and ensuring compliance with programmatic requirements and reporting.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Local governments: Potential beneficiaries of open space acquisitions and park development funding, enabling land purchases, park upgrades, and new or expanded recreational amenities.
  • DEP: Receives and allocates funds, administers grant programs, manages project oversight, reporting, and compliance.
  • Communities and residents: Indirect beneficiaries through enhanced open space preservation, recreational opportunities, and upgraded park infrastructure.
  • Green Acres program: Utilizes dedicated Green Acres funds, reinforcing the ongoing role of Green Acres in open space and park acquisitions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill specifies appropriation timing aligned with DEP’s grant-making and project delivery cadence, but exact fiscal year timing is not provided in the summary.
  • Administrative costs are included, indicating ongoing DEP program management for the duration of the funded projects.
  • As with many appropriations, potential steps could include:
    • Allocation by the Legislature or Governor within the state budget process.
    • Grant applications by local governments to the DEP.
    • Compliance, reporting, and auditing requirements to ensure funds are used for eligible projects.

Potential Implications

  • Accelerated open space preservation and park development at the local level, supporting land conservation goals and recreational infrastructure.
  • Strengthened use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and Green Acres funds to support local government projects, potentially providing more predictable funding streams for open space initiatives.
  • Administrative funding may improve DEP capacity to manage and oversee projects, ensuring accountability and timely project delivery.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific stakeholder perspectives (e.g., municipalities, environmental groups, or taxpayers) or compare it to prior years’ Green Acres/CBT allocations.

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

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