NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A4046

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4046

Introduced
5/16/22  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish criteria for evaluating and ranking applications for funding, which would prioritize projects that aim to enhance water quality and increase recreational access. This initiative reflects a commitment to addressing public health concerns linked to harmful algal blooms, which pose risks to both humans and wildlife. By enhancing the management of lakes through targeted funding, the bill aims to improve community access to these natural resources and enhance environmental sustainability.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4046 focuses on the allocation of $10 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues for specific grants aimed at lake management activities that support recreation and conservation purposes. This funding is intended to benefit lakes in the critical Highlands Region and Pinelands area, where local ecosystems play a significant role in supplying drinking water and providing recreational opportunities. To access these funds, entities such as the Greenwood Lake Commission and Lake Hopatcong Commission will need to apply for grants to facilitate these projects.

Contention

While the bill supports important environmental objectives, it is not without contention. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the effectiveness of the grant funding oversight by the DEP and whether sufficient measures are in place to assure that the awarded grants have a meaningful impact on local water quality and recreational access. Additionally, the allocation of funds, as specified in the bill, could become a point of debate, particularly regarding the prioritization of certain geographic areas over others and how this might affect equity in resource distribution among various communities.

Latest A4046 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ S235

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

Similar Bills

NJ A530

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

NJ S235

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

NJ A4847

Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.

NJ S3715

Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.

NJ A4570

Appropriates $10,067,905 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.

NJ S3474

Appropriates $10,067,905 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.

NJ A4041

Establishes program for acquisition, by local government units and nonprofit organizations, of development easements on privately-owned woodlands.

NJ A5654

Appropriates $9,184,427 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.