A year after voters gave overwhelming support to provide a stable source of funding to acquire and preserve open space, farmland and historic sites around the state, the goal of preserving one million acres over the next ten years has moved an important step closer to reality. On November 16, 1999, the Garden State Preservation Trust ("GSPT") approved its first funding package in which over $82 million will be provided for Green Acres open space and recreation development.
The GSPT is a board created under the Garden State Preservation Trust Act ("GSPTA") to receive and approve projects submitted by NJDEP and the State Agricultural Development Committee ("SADC"). The $82 million package represents the GSPT's approval of projects that include funds for municipal, county, and state government land acquisition, recreational development, and projects in urban areas. The GSPT's project recommendations will now move to the State Legislature and, once approved, on to the Governor for signature.
