Help Keep NJ Green: Question 2
Next week, there will be a Public Question on the ballot for the election on November 4. Public Question 2 asks voters to dedicate existing state funds to protect clean water and ensure that future generations continue to have access to parks, open spaces, farmland and historic treasures. The funding will replenish the now depleted Green Acres, Blue Acres, farmland and historic preservation programs, and continue funding to improve water quality, remove and clean up underground storage tanks and clean up polluted sites.
Robin Dougherty, Greater Newark Conservancy's Executive Director, pointed out that Public Question 2 is as important for urban cities like Newark as it is for suburban and rural communities statewide. "There is clearly a demand for more parks and open spaces in cities like Newark," said Dougherty. "Since 2004 when we first opened the Prudential Outdoor Learning Center, more than 30,000 local schoolchildren have experienced the wonder of the natural world through educational field trips to our Center, which was made possible in part by Green Acres funding."
Public Question 2 will ensure stable funding for the preservation and care of open space, parks, farmland, historic sites and flood-prone areas by reallocating 4 percent of existing corporate business tax revenues that are already dedicated to environmental programs through fiscal year 2019, and dedicating an additional 2 percent of existing corporate business tax revenues from fiscal year 2020 going forward.
Under the ballot question, preservation programs would receive approximately $71 million annually for the first four years, and then $117 million annually thereafter, providing reduced but critical baseline funding without raising taxes. In addition, approximately $30 million annually will be provided for programs to improve water quality, remove underground storage tanks before they leak and clean up polluted sites.
Additionally, for the first time ever, a provision for stewardship is included that will require some funds to go toward helping take better care of the parks and natural areas New Jersey already has. It will fund critical repairs, restoration and improvements to parks, natural areas and lakes, rivers and streams across New Jersey - making it easier for the public to visit and enjoy them.
