New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1020

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Establishes procedure for notification to, and review by, municipalities of certain grant and loan applications for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to enhance municipal involvement and oversight in decisions that directly pertain to local lands designated for recreational and conservation purposes. By requiring municipalities to be notified of relevant applications, the bill addresses a gap in local input regarding these significant land management decisions. The expectation is that this involvement will lead to more informed decisions that reflect local priorities and community needs regarding environmental and land use issues.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1020 establishes a formal procedure for notifying municipalities when grant or loan applications are made for the acquisition or development of lands intended for recreation and conservation purposes. The bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection must provide written notification to the governing bodies of affected municipalities. This is to ensure that municipalities have the opportunity to evaluate the appropriateness of the land proposed for acquisition, and to submit their feedback to the state or county for consideration within 30 days of receiving notification.

Contention

Some points of contention around this bill may arise from the balance of authority between state and local governments. Critics may argue that while the bill promotes local input, it does not provide sufficient power for municipalities to influence the final decisions made by state entities. If municipalities are not able to effectively oppose decisions, the intended benefits of increased local participation may not materialize. Additionally, concerns might be raised regarding the efficiency of the process—specifically if the 30-day evaluation period is adequate for municipalities to assess applications thoroughly and submit their evaluations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3386

Establishes procedure for notification to, and review by, municipalities of certain grant and loan applications for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.

NJ A2312

Requires consideration of ecotourism when evaluating and ranking applications by local government units or qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.

NJ A2104

Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

NJ S1474

Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

NJ S3338

Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

NJ A4867

Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

NJ S235

Allocates $10 million of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants for certain lake management activities for recreation and conservation purposes.

NJ A530

Allocates $10 million of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants for certain lake management activities for recreation and conservation purposes.

NJ A4046

Allocates $10 million of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants for certain lake management activities for recreation and conservation purposes.

NJ S2983

Requires forest stewardship plan for certain lands acquired for recreation and conservation purposes.

Similar Bills

CA AB679

Department of Parks and Recreation: Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks.

CA AB2103

Department of Parks and Recreation: Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks: real property acquisition.

NJ A4569

Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.

CA SB1167

State property: acquisition: state park system: Department of Parks and Recreation.

NJ S2788

Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.

NJ A5655

Appropriates $87,783,515 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.

CA AB2794

Community development: Antidisplacement Commercial Property Acquisition Program.

NJ S4053

Appropriates $87,783,515 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.