Vote YES on Public Question #3 this November to Save New Jersey's Preservation Programs

JCAA is a member of a coalition supporting funding for open space. Public question #3 is on the ballot. Please read the following release from the coalition and be an informed voter.

On November 6, 2007, New Jersey voters will be asked to approve Public Question #3 – the Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007. By authorizing the state to issue $200 million in general obligation bonds, the Act would provide much-needed funds to keep New Jersey’s open space, farmland and historic preservation programs afloat for one more year and to begin a new Blue Acres program to purchase flood prone properties.

You can help decide the future of our state’s preservation efforts by casting your vote on November 6th and spreading the word about Public Question #3. Essential to the health of our communities, high-quality natural areas, parks and historic areas provide opportunities for recreation, education and economic development. They build community and ensure public health through the protection of air and water resources. In addition, they safeguard wildlife habitat and boost local economies by spurring revitalization, supporting area businesses and providing a better quality of life. Please visit www.NJKeepItGreen.org for more information on this November’s Public Question #3 and how you can help.

The funds provided by the passage of the question will arrive at a critical point when the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT), which has historically financed the Green Acres, Farmland and Historic preservation programs, is running out of money, and despite current efforts, there have been no successful long-term funding proposals. Through our collaboration with the Outdoor Recreation Alliance and the Keep It Green Campaign, a coalition of over 90 organizations, our organization is working with the public to ensure the passage of Public Question #3 and with state leaders to secure a long-term stable funding source for the GSPT. We must act now as New Jersey loses 40 acres of open space to development each day

The one-year stop gap funding approved by the State Legislature and Governor this summer and awaiting voter approval this November represents a compromise that would allow these programs to continue to operate while legislators work to identify and secure a stable funding source for the GSPT. Our organization extends a special thanks to Assemblymen John F. McKeon (D-Essex) and Douglas H. Fisher (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester) as well as Senators Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester) and Leonard Lance (R-Warren, Hunterdon) for their continued leadership on this issue.

This November, Public Question #3 – the Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007 – must pass with overwhelming support to demonstrate the public’s desire to continue New Jersey’s preservation efforts. You can help ensure the passage of this question by casting your vote on November 6, 2007 and by spreading the word about the importance of this initiative. For more information, please visit www.NJKeepItGreen.org or contact Joanna Wolaver, New Jersey Audubon Society at joanna.wolaver@njaudubon.org or 609-392-1181.

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