New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill AR157

Introduced
9/15/22  

Caption

Opposes changing designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve and opposes certain parts of National Park Service's "Vision 2030" for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Impact

The proposed designation change, which is also linked to a more recent initiative called the Redesignation Project, raises concerns about limiting or prohibiting various recreational activities, notably hunting. Such limitations could detrimentally affect local businesses relying on tourism and recreational sports. The resolution highlights fears that economic prosperity could decline, harming businesses that benefit from visitors to the area. Furthermore, the Redesignation Project remains vague regarding its financial, environmental, and agricultural implications, raising additional apprehensions about how these changes might affect local economies and recreational freedoms.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 157 opposes the proposed reclassification of the Delaware Water Gap from a National Recreation Area to a National Park and Preserve, as well as certain aspects of the National Park Service's Vision 2030 plan. This resolution is crucial for the local communities in Sussex and Warren counties, emphasizing the significance of the Delaware Water Gap to the local economy and the recreational opportunities it provides to both residents and visitors. Currently, the area encompasses nearly 70,000 acres and is one of the top ten most visited units of the National Park System, attracting about five million visitors annually.

Contention

A central point of contention surrounding AR157 is the potential for the federal government to use eminent domain to acquire private and state properties in the area, which could threaten local ownership rights. Stakeholders express concern that such actions could reduce tax revenues in municipalities and adversely affect local school districts. The resolution asserts the necessity to secure local property rights and protect the area's economic integrity from federal imposition. As local residents heavily depend on access to recreational activities, the resolution aims to safeguard their rights to continue enjoying these pursuits.

Companion Bills

NJ SR98

Same As Opposes changing designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve and opposes certain parts of National Park Service's "Vision 2030" for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Previously Filed As

NJ SR98

Opposes changing designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve and opposes certain parts of National Park Service's "Vision 2030" for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

NJ AR133

Opposes all proposals to change designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve, including proposal from Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve Alliance.

NJ SR93

Opposes all proposals to change designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve, including proposal from Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve Alliance.

NJ SB2620

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act

NJ SCR118

Designating October 12, 2025, As "national Farmer's Day" In The State Of Delaware.

NJ SB1408

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025

NJ HB5045

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act

NJ SCR194

Designating October 12, 2024, As "national Farmer's Day" In The State Of Delaware.

NJ SR10

Recognizing May 10, 2025, As "national Train Day In The State Of Delaware.

NJ SCR154

Recognizing May 11, 2024, As "national Train Day In The State Of Delaware.

Similar Bills

NJ AR133

Opposes all proposals to change designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve, including proposal from Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve Alliance.

NJ SR93

Opposes all proposals to change designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve, including proposal from Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve Alliance.

NJ SR98

Opposes changing designation of Delaware Water Gap from National Recreation Area to National Park and Preserve and opposes certain parts of National Park Service's "Vision 2030" for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

TX HB4595

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes and to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes.

TX SB1296

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 83rd Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.

LA HB98

Provides relative to revision of local government laws pursuant to HCR No. 218 of the 2009 R.S.

TX HB3607

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 86th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.

US SB5512

A bill to restore the integrity of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes.