Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Announces Nearly $100 … – NJ.gov

TRENTON Governor Phil Murphy today announced a proposed investment of nearly $100 million for projects to develop or update parks and preserve open space, including a new initiative to fund construction of inclusive playgrounds for differently abled children. The funding, announced during Earth Week 2023 through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections (DEP) Green Acres Program, will enhance the quality of life for residents across New Jersey, especially in many overburdened communities.

The proposed investment includes $92.2 million in funding subject to approval by the Garden State Preservation Trust, and an additional $7.7 million for Urban Parks projects, bringing the total to $99.9 million. The investments are especially timely as this years national Earth Week theme is Invest in Our Planet.

The projects recommended for funding to the independent Garden State Preservation Trust will help build and update New Jerseys outstanding parks, recreation, and open space inventories while providing for construction of inclusive playgrounds, said Governor Murphy. These grants and loans will benefit numerous communities across the state by providing opportunities to engage in healthy activities, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality family time together.

"From our incredible Green Acres investments in local parks, to our historic investments in the restoration of natural resources throughout the state, the Murphy Administration has put its money where its heart is,said Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette.This Earth Week, with Governor Murphys vision and leadership, we are again investing in our planet with Green Acres awards in every county, accelerating our work to ensure that our neighbors across New Jersey can connect with nature and one another at quality open and recreational spaces."

Green Acres funding allows governments and nonprofits to leverage millions of additional preservation dollars through matching federal, state, county, and local funds, as well as from private sources. For the first time, Green Acres is providing non-matching grants to incentivize projects in Adversely Stressed Overburdened Communities in Urban Aid municipalities.

BY THE NUMBERS

The $92.2 million in projects recommended to the Garden State Preservation Trust includes:

After approval by the Garden State Preservation Trust, the Legislature must formally appropriate the Green Acres funds for these projects that will establish, expand, or revitalize new and existing parks; acquire land; improve waterfront access; develop athletic fields and playgrounds; improve parking lots; create open space; and enhance land stewardship.

In addition to these projects, DEP has approved $7.7 million for park development projects serving Adversely Stressed Overburdened Communities in Urban Aid municipalities, further emphasizing the Murphy Administrations commitment to environmental justice. These communities are so designated because they have a combined stressor total higher than the 50th percentile for total environmental and public health stressors.

Funding for these projects comes from both the DEPs Green Acres Program, funded by the Corporate Business Tax, and the Urban Parks Program, which is funded by a state budget appropriation.

URBAN PARKS PROJECTS

Sixteen municipalities in nine counties have been recommended to receive funding for projects in their communities. Among them:

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PROJECTS

New this year, the Green Acres Jakes Law Pilot Program provides 75% matching grant funding to county governments to construct Completely Inclusive Playgrounds in compliance with standards established by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The eight Completely Inclusive Playground projects recommended for funding are:

GREEN ACRES PROJECTS

Major local projects recommended for matching grants of $1 million or more include:

Atlantic County:

Bergen County:

Cumberland County:

Essex County:

Hudson County:

Mercer County:

Middlesex County:

Passaic County:

Union County:

New Jersey has long been a leader in preserving open space and creating parks. The Green Acres Program, the oldest of its kind in the nation, was created in 1961 as the result of an innovative bond referendum. To date, the Green Acres Program has protected more than 720,000 acres of open space and provided hundreds of recreational facilities around the state.

Green Acres projects create jobs and stimulate economic development by making communities more attractive places to live and work, consequently boosting civic pride. They also improve air and water quality, providing New Jerseyans a better quality of life.

The DEP is a partner in the Governors Population Health Challenge, which calls on state agencies to promote health through their policies. Studies have found that investments in parks and recreational amenities positively impact health and fitness, resulting in less strain on the health-care system. Studies also demonstrate that people are likely to be more physically active if they live close to parks and recreational facilities.

To learn more about the Green Acres Program, visit http://www.NJGreenAcres.org

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Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Announces Nearly $100 ... - NJ.gov