| One has to admire the beauty displayed in the spectacular panorama that is our Garden State. Areas of rolling hills, rich farmlands, and diverse wild habitats offer beauty and relief to the fast-paced lifestyles common to the residents of our state. Whether you enjoy camping in the serenity of Stokes State Forest, surfing and kayaking at Island Beach State Park, or exploring the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands; New Jersey’s parks, beaches, historic sites and recreation facilities offer a multitude of options for leisure and activity alike. Our state park system supports year-round interpretive centers and educational programming including historic reenactments, nature hikes and tours, while providing a safe haven for threatened and endangered species, protecting safe water supplies, and promoting improved air quality. From the average resident to the avid nature enthusiast, we can all agree on the benefits that are inherent in these precious natural resources.
As the state faces difficult financial times; however, a crisis has been allowed to quietly build in the New Jersey parks system. Lacking a stable source of funding has brought about certain unfortunate results: repair projects have been deferred, a steady decline in services and maintenance has become common, and park hours have been cut. Recent estimates from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) indicate that we need $250 million just to catch up with maintenance and repairs. Governor Jon Corzine, recognizing the great need that existed, proposed that $40 million be allocated in the FY 2007 Budget for this purpose. After budget negotiations and due in part to the looming deficit, it became apparent that the final allocation would be drastically reduced from that figure. A different approach would have to be found.
In 1995 voters approved a constitutional amendment dedicating 4% of Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenues for important environmental purposes. Some of these included the funding of hazardous discharge remediation; the availability of state grants for the closure, upgrading, and replacement of underground storage tanks; and provision for watershed based resource planning and management. In 2005 the voters approved a reorganizing of this dedication which would include the usage of these funds for state grants to offset the costs of diesel air pollution retrofit equipment. This equipment is vital in controlling the particular matter released from diesel engines, thereby reducing the emission of cancer causing particles into our air supply. Having achieved this result, the task of identifying a source of funding to address the growing backlog of park repairs became a top priority at the beginning of the current Legislative Session.
We came to the determination that a legislative change within the CBT environmental allocation could enhance the flexibility of these funds for new projects without compromising the existing priorities. Along with Senator Kenny, I introduced legislation which would pose a referendum question in November’s ballot asking voters to approve such a change. Under the proposed amendment, the system would receive $15 million each year through 2015 for improved upkeep and $32 million each year beginning in 2016 for the continued maintenance and development of our state and local parks. These expenditures do not present an additional cost to taxpayers because we would simply be shifting existing revenues. The measure unanimously passed both houses of the Legislature this past July and awaits approval by the electorate on this November’s ballot.
Over the past 20 years, the population of New Jersey has grown to more than 9 million residents. Combined with the critical component of tourism, our states third largest industry, this growth places additional burdens on our precious landscapes and waterways. From the environmental factors to the economic; from the cultural implications to the recreational; from the historical results to the aesthetic; the future of the parks system now rests in our hands. New Jersey’s state parks are a shadow of what they once were and a commitment to revitalization through stewardship and enhancement is desperately needed. Together we can ensure that from High Point to Cape May Lighthouse, the right of all New Jerseyans to a preserved and protected parks system will be assured. To this end, I ask you to join me in voting “Yes” to the parks funding referendum question on Tuesday, November 7th.
Assemblyman McKeon represents New Jersey's 27th legislative district. |
