Establishes fund for DEP for Blue Acres acquisition and relocation projects; appropriates $25 million.
Impact
The implementation of A4869 is expected to enhance the DEP's existing Blue Acres program, which has been in operation since 1995. This program actively acquires properties that regularly flood, converting them into public spaces that serve as natural flood storage and parks, ultimately protecting both the environment and residents. By streamlining the buyout of these properties and facilitating faster relocations for impacted families, A4869 intends to alleviate the burdens that homeowners and tenants face when trying to sell flood-prone homes and find alternative accommodations.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4869 establishes the Blue Acres Buyout Fund within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), designed specifically for addressing the acquisition and relocation needs of homeowners and tenants displaced by flood-prone property acquisitions. The bill allocates a significant appropriation of $25 million from the General Fund to support this initiative. By creating a revolving fund, the state aims to improve the efficiency of buyout processes, providing timely relocation assistance as part of a broader effort to mitigate the effects of recurrent flooding in vulnerable communities and enhance public safety alongside environmental stewardship.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its potential environmental benefits and public safety enhancements, discussions around its funding and the management of the buyout process may present challenges. Skeptics may express concerns regarding the adequacy of the allocated budget relative to potential buyout demands, as well as the need for appropriate oversight on how funds are utilized, particularly in minimizing administrative costs within the DEP. Furthermore, issues surrounding the balance of immediate relocation assistance versus long-term flood mitigation strategies may lead to further debate within legislative circles.
Appropriates $49.5 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.
Appropriates $48 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.
Appropriates $48 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.
Appropriates $49.5 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.
Appropriates $53,249,310 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.
Appropriates $53,249,310 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.
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.