New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill AR133

Introduced
5/2/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution brings to light concerns regarding the potential adverse economic repercussions if the Delaware Water Gap is reclassified. Proponents of the redesignation proposal argue for environmental preservation and increased tourism, but the resolution counter-argues that such a change could lead to restrictions on recreational activities, particularly hunting, which is vital to the local economy. It outlines fears that local businesses that depend on tourism may suffer, and residents could lose their recreational opportunities if local rights and interests are overridden in favor of federal management.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 133 serves as an official expression of opposition towards proposals to redesignate the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a National Park and Preserve. This resolution, introduced in May 2024, highlights the area's significance, which spans approximately 70,000 acres between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and underscores its value for outdoor recreational activities enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. With various activities such as hiking, biking, and hunting, the resolution emphasizes this unique land's economic contribution to surrounding communities, particularly Sussex and Warren counties.

Contention

A central point of contention within Resolution AR133 is the issue of property rights and the potential use of eminent domain. The proposal for redesignation raises alarms regarding the federal government's ability to acquire private and state properties adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap. This change could significantly decrease tax revenues for local municipalities, negatively affect school districts, and impact local agriculture by limiting land usage, particularly for farmers reliant on crops for livestock. The resolution asserts the need to protect local interests against federal encroachment on property and recreational rights.

Companion Bills

NJ SR93

Same As 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

Carry Over 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 AR157

Carry Over 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 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 AR157

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 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 SB1131

Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act

NJ HB2345

Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act

NJ SB4216

Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act

NJ HB8182

Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act

NJ HB9111

Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act

NJ SB3134

Promoting National Security and Preserving Access to Public Land in Southern Nevada Act of 2023

NJ SCR118

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

Similar Bills

NJ AR157

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 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 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.

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.

LA HB295

Provides relative to revision of local government laws pursuant to HCR No. 218 of the 2009 Regular Session

CT HB05782

An Act Concerning The Hotel Tax.

LA HB98

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