Voter-approved constitutional amendment will impact NJDEP State parks !!
Passing along an urgent request for advocacy:
Please urge the committee to state in Ballot Measure 2's enabling legislation that ... all state parks should retain the revenue generated in each park from concessions or fees, and that the State Park Service should get dedicated funds each year - calling for a full restoration of funding for capital improvements and stewardship at State Parks and historic sites, at 23% of the Corporate Business Tax-- with at least $16 million to be assured in this coming year from the open space pot, which was last year's amount. This was supposed to be increased up to $32 million in order to help make a dent into the $400 million backlog awaiting attention in capital improvements, before this ballot measure passed.
In addition, please urge the language require that whatever revenues are generated at each park or historic site remains there, dedicated to that entity - in order to enable it to enhance, repair or improve facilities there... instead of such funds being pooled into New Jersey’s general treasury, for use by the other agencies - particularly non-governmental organizations (NGO's) which are eligible for other funding and also generate funds via the programs they run.
Locally, High Point State Park [HPSP] and it's added on Green Acres' parcels will be negatively impacted, if the funds previous to this ballot question does not come through. The Parks division needs assurance of funding of over 20% of the Corporate Business Tax [CBT} funds to be dedicated towards parks capital projects - many of which are now backlogged, while our state parks remain understaffed and underfunded as compared to previous years.
This Fall, folks witnessed interpretative signs at HPSP in need or replacement, some structures and roadways still overdue for repair or maintenance, as the Park lacks sufficient manpower and funds to attend to these and smaller projects - particularly after losing the labor assistance once available from the now closed Deckertown Tpke. correctional facility.
Comments should be filed through Jan. 7th - and directed to OLSAideSEN@njleg.org with a subject line of “Ballot Measure 2 Enabling Legislation recommendations,” or call 609-847-3855.
This Fall, folks witnessed interpretative signs at HPSP in need or replacement, some structures and roadways still overdue for repair or maintenance, as the Park lacks sufficient manpower and funds to attend to these and smaller projects - particularly after losing the labor assistance once available from the now closed Deckertown Tpke. correctional facility.
Comments should be filed through Jan. 7th - and directed to OLSAideSEN@njleg.org with a subject line of “Ballot Measure 2 Enabling Legislation recommendations,” or call 609-847-3855.
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee is seeking public comments through Jan. 7th, on language for the enabling legislation which will make the Ballot Measure a law.
Please urge the committee to state in Ballot Measure 2's enabling legislation that ... all state parks should retain the revenue generated in each park from concessions or fees, and that the State Park Service should get dedicated funds each year - calling for a full restoration of funding for capital improvements and stewardship at State Parks and historic sites, at 23% of the Corporate Business Tax-- with at least $16 million to be assured in this coming year from the open space pot, which was last year's amount. This was supposed to be increased up to $32 million in order to help make a dent into the $400 million backlog awaiting attention in capital improvements, before this ballot measure passed.
In addition, please urge the language require that whatever revenues are generated at each park or historic site remains there, dedicated to that entity - in order to enable it to enhance, repair or improve facilities there... instead of such funds being pooled into New Jersey’s general treasury, for use by the other agencies - particularly non-governmental organizations (NGO's) which are eligible for other funding and also generate funds via the programs they run.
A related article is specific to Liberty State Park.
