New Jersey Assembly Bill A2669

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Dedicates $500,000 annually in revenues from vessel registration and renewal fees to NJ Greenwood Lake Fund.

Impact

The establishment of the Greenwood Lake Fund aims to ensure ongoing financial support for the lake's environmental management. It will provide consistent funding without the need for matching contributions from New York State, as long as the resources are used solely for the New Jersey side. This move is seen as beneficial for preserving the quality of water and the recreational appeal of the area, thus fostering tourism and local economies dependent on these activities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2669 aims to dedicate $500,000 annually from the revenues generated through vessel registration and renewal fees to the New Jersey Greenwood Lake Fund. This fund will be administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and is designated for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of Greenwood Lake, an important natural resource that straddles the New Jersey-New York border. The lake plays a critical role in supplying drinking water to millions of residents while also providing recreational opportunities to the community.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the allocation of these funds and how they are utilized. Although the bill focuses on environmental protection, stakeholders may have differing views on the oversight and management of the expenditures, especially considering the shared nature of Greenwood Lake. Some may argue for the importance of integrating efforts from both states to ensure comprehensive management of the lake, while others might favor the autonomy of New Jersey in decision-making processes regarding its portion.