Bill Text: NJ A1604 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: The "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014," authorizes bonds for $200 million; appropriates $5,000.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-16 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee [A1604 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-A1604-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
216th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2014 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman L. GRACE SPENCER
District 29 (Essex)
Assemblywoman SHEILA Y. OLIVER
District 34 (Essex and Passaic)
Assemblyman LOUIS D. GREENWALD
District 6 (Burlington and Camden)
SYNOPSIS
The "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014," authorizes bonds for $200 million; appropriates $5,000.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
An Act authorizing the creation of a debt of the State of New Jersey by the issuance of bonds of the State in the aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000 for the purpose of providing moneys for acquisition and development of lands for public recreation and conservation purposes, for farmland development easement and fee simple acquisitions, for Blue Acres projects, and for historic preservation projects; providing the ways and means to pay and discharge the principal of and interest on the bonds; providing for the submission of this act to the people at a general election; and making an appropriation therefor.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014."
2. The Legislature finds and declares that enhancing the quality of life of the citizens of New Jersey is a paramount policy of the State; that the acquisition and preservation of open space, farmland, and historic properties in New Jersey protects and enhances the character and beauty of the State and provides its citizens with greater opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and education; that the lands and resources now dedicated to these purposes will not be adequate to meet the needs of an expanding population in years to come; that the open space and farmland that is available and appropriate for these purposes will gradually disappear as the costs of preserving them correspondingly increase; and that it is necessary and desirable to provide funding for the development of parks and other open space for recreation and conservation purposes.
The Legislature further finds and declares that agriculture plays an integral role in the prosperity and well-being of the State as well as providing a fresh and abundant supply of food for its citizens; that much of the farmland in the State faces an imminent threat of permanent conversion to non-farm uses; and that the retention and development of an economically viable agricultural industry is of high public priority.
The Legislature further finds and declares that the Delaware River, the Passaic River, and the Raritan River, and their respective tributaries, and other areas throughout the State have been subject to serious flooding over the years, causing on some occasions loss of life and significant property damage; that to best ensure the public health, safety, and welfare while also accomplishing the desired objectives of (1) restoring, enhancing, and preserving water quality as well as ecosystems throughout the State for the public benefit, and (2) utilizing public funds in the most economical manner, it behooves the State to continue to fund the program to acquire throughout the State from willing sellers those properties that are prone to flooding and to dedicate those lands that are purchased for recreation and conservation; and that the issuance of bonds is necessary and desirable to provide funds for such purposes.
The Legislature further finds and declares that there is an urgent need to preserve the State's historic heritage to enable present and future generations to experience, understand, and enjoy the landmarks of New Jersey's role in the birth and development of this nation; that the restoration and preservation of properties of historic character and importance in the State is central to meeting this need; and that a significant number of these historic properties are located in urban centers, where their restoration and preservation will advance urban revitalization efforts of the State and local governments.
The Legislature further finds and declares that there is growing public recognition that the quality of life, economic prosperity, and environmental quality in New Jersey are served by the protection and timely preservation of open space and farmland and better management of the lands, resources, historic properties, and recreational facilities that are already under public ownership or protection; that the protection and preservation of New Jersey's water resources, including the quality and quantity of the State's limited water supply, is essential to the quality of life and the economic health of the citizens of the State; that the acquisition of flood-prone areas is in the best interests of the State to prevent the loss of life and property; that the preservation of the existing diversity of animal and plant species is essential to sustaining both the environment and the economy of the Garden State, and the conservation of adequate habitat for endangered, threatened, and other rare species is necessary to preserve this biodiversity.
The Legislature further finds and declares that there is a need to continue the funding provided by the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009" (P.L.2009, c.117), the "Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres, and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007" (P.L.2007, c.119), the 1998 constitutional amendment, the "Green Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Blue Acres Bond Act of 1995" (P.L.1995, c.204), and the nine previous similar bond acts enacted in 1961, 1971, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1987, 1989, and 1992, and various implementing laws.
The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the public interest to issue bonds to ensure the continuation of funding for the State's programs for the acquisition and development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, for the preservation of farmland for agricultural or horticultural use and production, for the purchase, for recreation and conservation purposes, of flood-prone lands, and for historic preservation.
3. As used in this act:
"Acquisition" or "acquire" means the obtaining of a fee simple or lesser interest in land, including but not limited to a development easement, a conservation restriction or easement, or any other restriction or easement permanently restricting development, by purchase, installment purchase agreement, gift, donation, eminent domain by the State or a local government unit, or devise; except that any acquisition of lands by the State for recreation and conservation purposes by eminent domain shall be only as authorized pursuant to section 28 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-28).
"Blue Acres cost" means the expenses incurred in connection with: all things deemed necessary or useful and convenient for the acquisition by the State, for recreation and conservation purposes, of lands that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm‑related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage; the execution of any agreements or franchises deemed by the Department of Environmental Protection to be necessary or useful and convenient in connection with any Blue Acres project authorized by this act; the procurement or provision of appraisal, archaeological, architectural, conservation, design, engineering, financial, geological, historic research, hydrological, inspection, legal, planning, relocation, surveying, or other professional advice, estimates, reports, services, or studies; the services of a bond registrar or an authenticating agent; the purchase of title insurance; the undertaking of feasibility studies; the demolition of structures, the removal of debris, and the restoration of lands to a natural state or to a state useful for recreation and conservation purposes; the issuance of bonds, or any interest or discount thereon; organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment and materials necessary to administer the applicable provisions of this act; the establishment of a reserve fund or funds for working capital, operating, maintenance, or replacement expenses and for the payment or security of principal or interest on bonds, as the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury may determine; and reimbursement to any fund of the State of moneys that may have been transferred or advanced therefrom to any fund established by this act, or any moneys that may have been expended therefrom for, or in connection with, this act.
"Blue Acres project" means any project of the State to acquire, for recreation and conservation purposes, lands that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm‑related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage, and which is funded with moneys made available pursuant to section 7 of this act.
"Bonds" mean the bonds authorized to be issued, or issued, under this act.
"Commission" means the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.
"Cost" means the expenses incurred in connection with: all things deemed necessary or useful and convenient for the acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, the acquisition of development easements or fee simple titles to farmland, or the preservation of historic properties, as the case may be; the execution of any agreements or franchises deemed by the Department of Environmental Protection, State Agriculture Development Committee, or New Jersey Historic Trust, as the case may be, to be necessary or useful and convenient in connection with any project authorized by this act; the procurement or provision of appraisal, archaeological, architectural, conservation, design, engineering, financial, geological, historic research, hydrological, inspection, legal, planning, relocation, surveying, or other professional advice, estimates, reports, services, or studies; the purchase of title insurance; the undertaking of feasibility studies; the issuance of bonds, or any interest or discount thereon; organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment and materials necessary to administer the applicable provisions of this act; the establishment of a reserve fund or funds for working capital, operating, maintenance, or replacement expenses and for the payment or security of principal or interest on bonds, as the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury may determine; and reimbursement to any fund of the State of moneys which may have been transferred or advanced therefrom to any fund created by this act, or of any moneys which may have been expended therefrom for, or in connection with, any project authorized by this act.
"Development" or "develop" means, except as used in the definitions of "acquisition" and "development easement" in this section, any improvement made to a land or water area designed to expand and enhance its utilization for recreation and conservation purposes, and shall include the construction, renovation, or repair of any such improvement, but shall not mean shore protection or beach nourishment or replenishment activities.
"Development easement" means an interest in land, less than fee simple title thereto, which interest represents the right to develop that land for all nonagricultural purposes and which interest may be transferred under laws authorizing the transfer of development potential.
"Farmland" means land identified as having prime or unique soils as classified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the United States Department of Agriculture, having soils of Statewide importance according to criteria adopted by the State Soil Conservation Committee, established pursuant to R.S.4:24-3, or having soils of local importance as identified by local soil conservation districts, and which land qualifies for differential property taxation pursuant to the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L.1964, c.48 (C.54:4-23.1 et seq.), and any other land on the farm that is necessary to accommodate farm practices as determined by the State Agriculture Development Committee.
"Farmland preservation," "farmland preservation purposes" or "preservation of farmland" means the permanent preservation of farmland to support agricultural or horticultural production as the first priority use of that land.
"Garden State Preservation Trust" means the Garden State Preservation Trust established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-4).
"Government securities" means any bonds or other obligations which as to principal and interest constitute direct obligations of, or are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America, including obligations of any federal agency, to the extent those obligations are unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America, and any certificates or any other evidences of an ownership interest in those obligations of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America or in specified portions which may consist of the principal of, or the interest on, those obligations.
"Historic preservation," "historic preservation purposes," or "preservation of historic properties" means any work relating to the conservation, improvement, interpretation, preservation, protection, rehabilitation, renovation, repair, restoration, or stabilization of any historic property, and shall include any work related to providing access thereto for disabled or handicapped persons.
"Historic property" means any area, building, facility, object, property, site, or structure approved for inclusion, or which meets the criteria for inclusion, in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places pursuant to P.L.1970, c.268 (C.13:1B-15.128 et seq.).
"Land" or "lands" means real property, including improvements thereof or thereon, rights-of-way, water, lakes, riparian and other rights, easements, privileges and all other rights or interests of any kind or description in, relating to, or connected with real property.
"Local government unit" means a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the State, or any agency, authority, or other entity thereof; except, with respect to the acquisition and development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, "local government unit" means a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the State, or any agency, authority, or other entity thereof the primary purpose of which is to administer, protect, acquire, develop, or maintain lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
"New Jersey Historic Trust" means the entity established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1967, c.124 (C.13:1B-15.111).
"Qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization" means a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C.s.501(c)(3), and which meets the same qualifications as those required for a grant pursuant to section 27, 39, or 41 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-27, C.13:8C-39, or C.13:8C-41), as the case may be.
"Recreation and conservation purposes" means the use of lands for beaches, biological or ecological study, boating, camping, fishing, forests, greenways, hunting, natural areas, parks, playgrounds, protecting historic properties, water reserves, watershed protection, wildlife preserves, active sports, or a similar use for either public outdoor recreation or conservation of natural resources, or both.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.
4. a. (1) At least twice during each State fiscal year, the Department of Environmental Protection, the State Agriculture Development Committee, and the New Jersey Historic Trust shall each submit to the Garden State Preservation Trust a list of projects that are recommended to receive funding from the proceeds of the bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to this act, based upon the respective priority systems, ranking criteria, and funding policies established pursuant to sections 23, 24, 26, 27, and 37 through 41 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-23, C.13:8C-24, C.13:8C-26, C.13:8C-27, and C.13:8C-37 through C.13:8C-41), section 7 of P.L.2005, c.178 (C.13:8C-38.1), and sections 1 and 2 of P.L.2001, c.405 (C.13:8C-40.1 and C.13:8C-40.2), and any rules or regulations adopted pursuant to those laws. The Department of Environmental Protection shall also submit to the Garden State Preservation Trust at least twice during each State fiscal year a list of projects that are recommended to receive funding from the proceeds of the bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to section 7 of this act.
(2) The Garden State Preservation Trust shall review each such list and may make such deletions, but not additions, of projects therefrom as it deems appropriate and in accordance with the procedures established for such deletions pursuant to section 23 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-23), whereupon the Garden State Preservation Trust shall approve the list and submit to the Governor and to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly for introduction in the Legislature, proposed legislation appropriating moneys from the proceeds of the bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to this act, for appropriation for the purposes set forth in this act.
b. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the New Jersey Historic Trust shall review and consider the findings and recommendations of the commission in the administration of the provisions of this act.
5. a. Bonds of the State of New Jersey are authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $109,000,000 for the purposes of: providing moneys to meet the cost of public acquisition and development of lands by the State for recreation and conservation purposes; providing State grants and loans to assist local government units to meet the cost of acquiring and developing lands for recreation and conservation purposes; and providing State matching grants to assist qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations to meet the cost of acquiring lands for recreation and conservation purposes, to be allocated as follows:
(1) $45,000,000 for the acquisition and development of lands by the State for recreation and conservation purposes;
(2) $55,000,000 for State grants and loans to assist local government units to acquire and develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes; and
(3) $9,000,000 for State grants, on an up to 50% matching basis, to qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations to acquire and develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
b. To the end that municipalities may not suffer a loss of taxes by reason of the acquisition and ownership by the State of lands in fee simple for recreation and conservation purposes, or the acquisition and ownership by qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations of lands in fee simple for recreation and conservation purposes that become certified exempt from property taxes pursuant to P.L.1974, c.167 (C.54:4-3.63 et seq.) or similar laws, under the provisions of this section, the State shall make payments annually in the same manner as payments are made pursuant to section 29 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-29).
c. Of the amount authorized pursuant to this section, not more than 5% shall be utilized for organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment and materials necessary to administer the applicable provisions of this act.
6. a. Bonds of the State of New Jersey are authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $73,000,000 for the purpose of the preservation of farmland. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds shall be for appropriation to the State Agriculture Development Committee established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C‑4), and shall be used for the purposes set forth in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection a. of section 37 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-37).
b. Of the amount authorized pursuant to this section, not more than 5% shall be utilized for organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment and materials necessary to administer the applicable provisions of this act.
7. a. Bonds of the State of New Jersey are authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $12,000,000 for the purposes of providing moneys to meet the Blue Acres cost of acquisition by the State, for recreation and conservation purposes, of lands that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage.
b. To the end that municipalities may not suffer a loss of taxes by reason of the acquisition and ownership by the State of lands in fee simple for recreation and conservation purposes under the provisions of this section, the State shall make payments annually in the same manner as payments are made pursuant to section 29 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-29).
c. The State shall not utilize the power of eminent domain in any manner to acquire lands utilizing funds made available pursuant to the Blue Acres bond program; such lands shall be acquired only from willing sellers.
d. The Department of Environmental Protection shall establish an advisory committee composed of experts and appropriate interested parties concerned with flood management through land acquisition and preservation efforts to advise the department with respect to the acquisition of lands by the State utilizing funds made available pursuant to the Blue Acres bond program. The advisory committee shall recommend Blue Acres project priority lists to the Department of Environmental Protection to be submitted by the department to the Garden State Preservation Trust for funding approval as required pursuant to section 4 of this act.
e. The Office of Green Acres in the Department of Environmental Protection shall administer the Blue Acres bond program.
f. Of the amount authorized pursuant to this section, not more than 5% shall be utilized for organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment and materials necessary to administer the applicable provisions of this act.
8. a. Bonds of the State of New Jersey are authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $6,000,000 for the purpose of providing State matching grants to assist State agencies or entities, local government units, and qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations to meet the cost of preservation of historic properties.
b. Of the amount authorized pursuant to this section, not more than 5% shall be utilized for organizational, administrative and other work and services, including salaries, equipment and materials necessary to administer the applicable provisions of this act.
9. The bonds authorized under this act shall be serial bonds, term bonds, or a combination thereof, and shall be known as "2014 New Jersey Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bonds." They shall be issued from time to time as the issuing officials herein named shall determine and may be issued in coupon form, fully‑registered form or book‑entry form. The bonds may be subject to redemption prior to maturity and shall mature and be paid not later than 35 years from the respective dates of their issuance.
10. The Governor, the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury, or any two of these officials, herein referred to as "the issuing officials," are authorized to carry out the provisions of this act relating to the issuance of bonds, and shall determine all matters in connection therewith, subject to the provisions of this act. If an issuing official is absent from the State or incapable of acting for any reason, the powers and duties of that issuing official shall be exercised and performed by the person authorized by law to act in an official capacity in the place of that issuing official.
11. Bonds issued in accordance with the provisions of this act shall be a direct obligation of the State of New Jersey, and the faith and credit of the State are pledged for the payment of the interest and redemption premium thereon, if any, when due, and for the payment of the principal thereof at maturity or earlier redemption date. The principal of and interest on the bonds shall be exempt from taxation by the State or by any county, municipality or other taxing district of the State.
12. The bonds shall be signed in the name of the State by means of the manual or facsimile signature of the Governor under the Great Seal of the State, which seal may be by facsimile or by way of any other form of reproduction on the bonds, and attested by the manual or facsimile signature of the Secretary of State, or an Assistant Secretary of State, and shall be countersigned by the facsimile signature of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury and may be manually authenticated by an authenticating agent or bond registrar, as the issuing official shall determine. Interest coupons, if any, attached to the bonds shall be signed by the facsimile signature of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury. The bonds may be issued notwithstanding that an official signing them or whose manual or facsimile signature appears on the bonds or coupons has ceased to hold office at the time of issuance, or at the time of the delivery of the bonds to the purchaser thereof.
13. a. The bonds shall recite that they are issued for the purposes set forth in section 5, 6, 7, or 8 of this act, that they are issued pursuant to this act, that this act was submitted to the people of the State at the general election next occurring at least 70 days after enactment as specified in section 29 of this act, and that this act was approved by a majority of the legally qualified voters of the State voting thereon at the election. This recital shall be conclusive evidence of the authority of the State to issue the bonds and their validity. Any bonds containing this recital shall, in any suit, action or proceeding involving their validity, be conclusively deemed to be fully authorized by this act and to have been issued, sold, executed and delivered in conformity herewith and with all other provisions of laws applicable hereto, and shall be incontestable for any cause.
b. The bonds shall be issued in those denominations and in the form or forms, whether coupon, fully-registered or book-entry, and with or without provisions for interchangeability thereof, as may be determined by the issuing officials.
14. When the bonds are issued from time to time, the bonds of each issue shall constitute a separate series to be designated by the issuing officials. Each series of bonds shall bear such rate or rates of interest as may be determined by the issuing officials, which interest shall be payable semiannually; except that the first and last interest periods may be longer or shorter, in order that intervening semiannual payments may be at convenient dates.
15. The bonds shall be issued and sold at the price or prices and under the terms, conditions and regulations as the issuing officials may prescribe, after notice of the sale, published at least once in at least three newspapers published in this State, and at least once in a publication carrying municipal bond notices and devoted primarily to financial news, published in this State or in the city of New York, the first notice to appear at least five days prior to the day of bidding. The notice of sale may contain a provision to the effect that any bid in pursuance thereof may be rejected. In the event of rejection or failure to receive any acceptable bid, the issuing officials, at any time within 60 days from the date of the advertised sale, may sell the bonds at a private sale at such price or prices under the terms and conditions as the issuing officials may prescribe. The issuing officials may sell all or part of the bonds of any series as issued to any State fund or to the federal government or any agency thereof, at a private sale, without advertisement.
16. Until permanent bonds are prepared, the issuing officials may issue temporary bonds in the form and with those privileges as to their registration and exchange for permanent bonds as may be determined by the issuing officials.
17. a. The State Treasurer shall establish a fund, to be known as the "2014 Green Acres Fund," and the moneys therein are to be held in those depositories as the State Treasurer may select. The State Treasurer shall deposit into the fund all proceeds from the sale of the bonds issued by the State under this act for acquisitions and developments for recreation and conservation purposes as set forth in section 5 of this act. The moneys in the fund are specifically dedicated and shall be applied to the cost of the purposes set forth in section 5 of this act. Moneys derived from the payment of interest and principal on the loans to local government units authorized in section 5 of this act shall also be held in the fund. Such grants, contributions, donations, and reimbursements from federal aid programs as may be lawfully used for the purposes set forth in section 5 of this act may also be held in the "2014 Green Acres Fund." Moneys in the fund shall not be expended except in accordance with appropriations from the fund made by law, but bonds may be issued as herein provided, notwithstanding that the Legislature shall not have then adopted an act making a specific appropriation of any of the moneys.
b. Any act appropriating moneys from the "2014 Green Acres Fund" shall identify the particular project or projects to be funded by the moneys, and any expenditure for a project for which the location is not identified by municipality and county in the appropriation shall require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee or its successor, except as permitted otherwise in accordance with the exceptions specified in subsection a. of section 23 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-23).
c. Unexpended moneys due to project withdrawals, cancellations, or cost savings shall be returned to the fund to be used for the purposes of the fund.
18. a. The State Treasurer shall establish a fund to be known as the "2014 Farmland Preservation Fund," and the moneys therein are to be held in those depositories as the State Treasurer may select. The State Treasurer shall deposit into the fund all proceeds from the sale of bonds issued by the State under this act for the acquisition of development easements or fee simple titles on farmland, all as set forth in section 6 of this act. The moneys in the fund are specifically dedicated and shall be applied to the cost of the purposes set forth in section 6 of this act. Moneys in the fund shall not be expended except in accordance with appropriations from the fund made by law, but bonds may be issued as herein provided, notwithstanding that the Legislature shall not have then adopted an act making a specific appropriation of any of the moneys.
b. Any act appropriating moneys from the "2014 Farmland Preservation Fund" shall identify the particular project or projects to be funded with the moneys, and any expenditure for a project for which the location is not identified by municipality and county in the appropriation shall require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee or its successor, except as permitted otherwise in accordance with the exceptions specified in subsection b. of section 23 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-23).
c. Unexpended moneys due to project withdrawals, cancellations, or cost savings shall be returned to the fund to be used for the purposes of the fund.
19. a. The State Treasurer shall establish a fund, to be known as the "2014 Blue Acres Fund," and the moneys therein are to be held in those depositories as the State Treasurer may select. The State Treasurer shall deposit into the fund all proceeds from the sale of the bonds issued by the State under this act for acquisitions for recreation and conservation purposes as set forth in section 7 of this act. The moneys in the fund are specifically dedicated and shall be applied to the Blue Acres cost of the purposes set forth in section 7 of this act. Such grants, contributions, donations, and reimbursements from federal aid programs as may be lawfully used for the purposes set forth in section 7 of this act may also be held in the "2014 Blue Acres Fund." Moneys in the fund shall not be expended except in accordance with appropriations from the fund made by law, but bonds may be issued as herein provided, notwithstanding that the Legislature shall not have then adopted an act making a specific appropriation of any of the moneys.
b. Any act appropriating moneys from the "2014 Blue Acres Fund" shall identify the particular project or projects to be funded by the moneys, and any expenditure for a project for which the location is not identified by municipality and county in the appropriation shall require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee or its successor.
c. Unexpended moneys due to project withdrawals, cancellations, or cost savings shall be returned to the fund to be used for the purposes of the fund.
20. a. The State Treasurer shall establish a fund to be known as the "2014 Historic Preservation Fund," and the moneys therein are to be held in those depositories as the State Treasurer may select. The State Treasurer shall deposit into the fund all proceeds from the sale of bonds issued by the State under this act for the funding of historic preservation projects as set forth in section 8 of this act. The moneys in the fund are specifically dedicated and shall be applied to the cost of preservation of historic properties as set forth in section 8 of this act. Moneys in the fund shall not be expended except in accordance with appropriations from the fund made by law, but bonds may be issued as herein provided, notwithstanding that the Legislature shall not have then adopted an act making a specific appropriation of any of the moneys.
b. Any act appropriating moneys from the "2014 Historic Preservation Fund" shall identify the particular project or projects to be funded by the moneys, and any expenditure for a project for which the location is not identified by municipality and county in the appropriation shall require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee or its successor.
c. Unexpended moneys due to project withdrawals, cancellations, or cost savings shall be returned to the fund to be used for the purposes of the fund.
21. a. At any time prior to the issuance and sale of bonds under this act, the State Treasurer is authorized to transfer from any available moneys in any fund of the treasury of the State to the credit of the "2014 Green Acres Fund," the "2014 Farmland Preservation Fund," the "2014 Blue Acres Fund," or the "2014 Historic Preservation Fund," those sums as the State Treasurer may deem necessary. The sums so transferred shall be returned to the same fund of the treasury of the State by the State Treasurer from the proceeds of the sale of the first issue of bonds.
b. Pending their application to the purposes provided in the applicable provisions of this act, the moneys in the "2014 Green Acres Fund," the "2014 Farmland Preservation Fund," the "2014 Blue Acres Fund," and the "2014 Historic Preservation Fund," may be invested and reinvested as are other trust funds in the custody of the State Treasurer, in the manner provided by law. Net earnings received from the investment or deposit of moneys in these funds shall be redeposited therein and become part of the respective funds.
22. If any coupon bond, coupon or registered bond is lost, mutilated or destroyed, a new bond or coupon shall be executed and delivered of like tenor, in substitution for the lost, mutilated or destroyed bond or coupon, upon the owner furnishing to the issuing officials evidence satisfactory to them of the loss, mutilation or destruction of the bond or coupon, the ownership thereof, and security, indemnity and reimbursement for expenses connected therewith, as the issuing officials may require.
23. The accrued interest, if any, received upon the sale of the bonds shall be applied to the discharge of a like amount of interest upon the bonds when due. Any expense incurred by the issuing officials for advertising, engraving, printing, clerical, authenticating, registering, legal or other services necessary to carry out the duties imposed upon them by the provisions of this act shall be paid from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds by the State Treasurer, upon the warrant of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury, in the same manner as other obligations of the State are paid.
24. Bonds of each series issued hereunder shall mature, including any sinking fund redemptions, not later than the 35th year from the date of issue of that series, and in amounts as shall be determined by the issuing officials. The issuing officials may reserve to the State by appropriate provision in the bonds of any series the power to redeem any of the bonds prior to maturity at the price or prices and upon the terms and conditions as may be provided in the bonds.
25. Any bond or bonds issued hereunder which are subject to refinancing pursuant to the "Refunding Bond Act of 1985," P.L.1985, c.74 as amended by P.L.1992, c.182 (C.49:2B-1 et seq.), shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, shall no longer constitute a direct obligation of the State of New Jersey, and the faith and credit of the State shall no longer be pledged to the payment of the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the bonds, and the bonds shall be secured solely by and payable solely from moneys and government securities deposited in trust with one or more trustees or escrow agents, which trustees and escrow agents shall be trust companies or national or state banks having powers of a trust company, located either within or without the State, as provided herein, whenever there shall be deposited in trust with the trustees or escrow agents, as provided herein, either moneys or government securities, including government securities issued or held in book-entry form on the books of the Department of Treasury of the United States, the principal of and interest on which when due will provide money which, together with the moneys, if any, deposited with the trustees or escrow agents at the same time, shall be sufficient to pay when due the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest due and to become due on the bonds on or prior to the redemption date or maturity date thereof, as the case may be; provided the government securities shall not be subject to redemption prior to their maturity other than at the option of the holder thereof. The State of New Jersey hereby covenants with the holders of any bonds for which government securities or moneys shall have been deposited in trust with the trustees or escrow agents as provided in this section that, except as otherwise provided in this section, neither the government securities nor moneys so deposited with the trustees or escrow agents shall be withdrawn or used by the State for any purpose other than, and shall be held in trust for, the payment of the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest to become due on the bonds; provided that any cash received from the principal or interest payments on the government securities deposited with the trustees or escrow agents, to the extent the cash will not be required at any time for that purpose, shall be paid over to the State, as received by the trustees or escrow agents, free and clear of any trust, lien, pledge or assignment securing the bonds; and to the extent the cash will be required for that purpose at a later date, shall, to the extent practicable and legally permissible, be reinvested in government securities maturing at times and in amounts sufficient to pay when due the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest to become due on the bonds on and prior to the redemption date or maturity date thereof, as the case may be, and interest earned from the reinvestments shall be paid over to the State, as received by the trustees or escrow agents, free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge securing the bonds. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein: a. the trustees or escrow agents shall, if so directed by the issuing officials, apply moneys on deposit with the trustees or escrow agents pursuant to the provisions of this section, and redeem or sell government securities so deposited with the trustees or escrow agents, and apply the proceeds thereof to (1) the purchase of the bonds which were refinanced by the deposit with the trustees or escrow agents of the moneys and government securities and immediately thereafter cancel all bonds so purchased, or (2) the purchase of different government securities; provided however, that the moneys and government securities on deposit with the trustees or escrow agents after the purchase and cancellation of the bonds or the purchase of different government securities shall be sufficient to pay when due the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest on all other bonds in respect of which the moneys and government securities were deposited with the trustees or escrow agents on or prior to the redemption date or maturity date thereof, as the case may be; and b. in the event that on any date, as a result of any purchases and cancellations of bonds or any purchases of different government securities, as provided in this sentence, the total amount of moneys and government securities remaining on deposit with the trustees or escrow agents is in excess of the total amount which would have been required to be deposited with the trustees or escrow agents on that date in respect of the remaining bonds for which the deposit was made in order to pay when due the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the remaining bonds, the trustees or escrow agents shall, if so directed by the issuing officials, pay the amount of the excess to the State, free and clear of any trust, lien, pledge or assignment securing the refunding bonds.
26. Refunding bonds issued pursuant to P.L.1985, c.74 as amended by P.L.1992, c.182 (C.49:2B-1 et seq.) may be consolidated with bonds issued pursuant to section 5, 6, 7, or 8 of this act or with bonds issued pursuant to any other act for purposes of sale.
27. To provide funds to meet the interest and principal payment requirements for the bonds and refunding bonds issued under this act and outstanding, there is appropriated in the order following:
a. Revenue derived from the collection of taxes under the "Sales and Use Tax Act," P.L.1966, c.30 (C.54:32B-1 et seq.), or so much thereof as may be required; and
b. If, at any time, funds necessary to meet the interest, redemption premium, if any, and principal payments on outstanding bonds issued under this act are insufficient or not available, there shall be assessed, levied and collected annually in each of the municipalities of the counties of this State, a tax on the real and personal property upon which municipal taxes are or shall be assessed, levied and collected, sufficient to meet the interest on all outstanding bonds issued hereunder and on the bonds proposed to be issued under this act in the calendar year in which the tax is to be raised and for the payment of bonds falling due in the year following the year for which the tax is levied. The tax shall be assessed, levied and collected in the same manner and at the same time as are other taxes upon real and personal property. The governing body of each municipality shall cause to be paid to the county treasurer of the county in which the municipality is located, on or before December 15 in each year, the amount of tax herein directed to be assessed and levied, and the county treasurer shall pay the amount of the tax to the State Treasurer on or before December 20 in each year.
If on or before December 31 in any year, the issuing officials, by resolution, determine that there are moneys in the General Fund beyond the needs of the State, sufficient to pay the principal of bonds falling due and all interest and redemption premium, if any, payable in the ensuing calendar year, the issuing officials shall file the resolution in the office of the State Treasurer, whereupon the State Treasurer shall transfer the moneys to a separate fund to be designated by the State Treasurer, and shall pay the principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest out of that fund as the same shall become due and payable, and the other sources of payment of the principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest provided for in this section shall not then be available, and the receipts for the year from the tax specified in subsection a. of this section shall be considered and treated as part of the General Fund, available for general purposes.
28. Should the State Treasurer, by December 31 of any year, deem it necessary, because of the insufficiency of funds collected from the sources of revenues as provided in this act, to meet the interest and principal payments for the year after the ensuing year, then the State Treasurer shall certify to the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury the amount necessary to be raised by taxation for those purposes, the same to be assessed, levied and collected for and in the ensuing calendar year. The director shall, on or before March 1 following, calculate the amount in dollars to be assessed, levied and collected in each county as herein set forth. This calculation shall be based upon the corrected assessed valuation of each county for the year preceding the year in which the tax is to be assessed, but the tax shall be assessed, levied and collected upon the assessed valuation of the year in which the tax is assessed and levied. The director shall certify the amount to the county board of taxation and the treasurer of each county. The county board of taxation shall include the proper amount in the current tax levy of the several taxing districts of the county in proportion to the ratables as ascertained for the current year.
29. For the purpose of complying with the provisions of the State Constitution, this act shall be submitted to the people at the general election next occurring at least 70 days after enactment. To inform the people of the contents of this act, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, after this section takes effect, and at least 60 days prior to the election, to cause this act to be published at least once in one or more newspapers of each county, if any newspapers be published therein and to notify the clerk of each county of this State of the passage of this act; and the clerks respectively, in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of State, shall have printed on each of the ballots the following:
If you approve of the act entitled below, make a cross (x), plus (+), or check ( a ) mark in the square opposite the word "Yes."
If you disapprove of the act entitled below, make a cross (x), plus (+), or check ( a ) mark in the square opposite the word "No."
If voting machines are used, a vote of "Yes" or "No" shall be equivalent to these markings respectively.
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Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014 |
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YES |
Do you approve the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014?" This bond act authorizes the State to issue bonds in the amount of $200 million for: (1) acquiring and developing lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including lands that protect water supplies; (2) acquiring, for recreation and conservation purposes, properties that have incurred flood or storm damage or are likely to do so, or that may buffer or protect other properties from flood or storm damage; (3) preserving farmland for agricultural or horticultural use and production; and (4) funding historic preservation projects. This bond act also guarantees payment of the principal of the bonds and the interest on the debt with State revenues. |
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INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT |
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NO |
Approval of this act would authorize the sale of $200 million in State general obligation bonds to be used for Green Acres, Blue Acres, and farmland and historic preservation projects. Of the total sum authorized: (1) $109 million would be used for Green Acres projects; (2) $12 million would be used for "Blue Acres" projects; (3) $73 million would be used for farmland preservation purposes; and (4) $6 million would be used for historic preservation purposes. The Green Acres program acquires land that protects water supplies and preserves open space, including parks, fish and wildlife habitat, and flood prone or affected areas. It also funds park improvements and facilities. "Blue Acres" is the term used to refer to properties that have been damaged by storms or storm-related flooding, that appear likely to incur such damage, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. Structures on properties purchased from willing sellers are demolished, the debris is removed, and the land is preserved as open space.
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The fact and date of the approval or passage of this act, as the case may be, may be inserted in the appropriate place after the title in the ballot. No other requirements of law of any kind or character as to notice or procedure, except as herein provided, need be adhered to.
The votes so cast for and against the approval of this act, by ballot or voting machine, shall be counted and the result thereof returned by the election officer, and a canvass of the election had in the same manner as is provided for by law in the case of the election of a Governor, and the approval or disapproval of this act so determined shall be declared in the same manner as the result of an election for a Governor, and if there is a majority of all the votes cast for and against it at the election in favor of the approval of this act, then all the provisions of this act not made effective theretofore shall take effect forthwith.
30. There is appropriated the sum of $5,000 to the Department of State for expenses in connection with the publication of notice pursuant to section 29 of this act.
31. The commissioner, the secretary, and the New Jersey Historic Trust, as the case may be, shall submit to the State Treasurer and the commission with each respective department's or agency's annual budget request a plan for the expenditure of funds from the "2014 Green Acres Fund," the "2014 Farmland Preservation Fund," the "2014 Blue Acres Fund," and the "2014 Historic Preservation Fund," as the case may be, for the upcoming fiscal year. Each plan shall include the following information: a performance evaluation of the expenditures made from the appropriate fund to date; a description of programs planned during the upcoming fiscal year; a copy of the regulations in force governing the operation of programs that are financed, in part or in whole, by moneys from the particular fund; and an estimate of expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year.
32. Immediately following the submission to the Legislature of the Governor's annual budget message, the commissioner, the secretary, and the New Jersey Historic Trust shall submit to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), and to the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, or its successor, copies of the appropriate plan called for under section 31 of this act, together with such changes therein as may have been required by the Governor's budget message.
33. Not less than 30 days prior to entering into any contract, lease, obligation, or agreement to effectuate the purposes of this act, the commissioner, the secretary, or the New Jersey Historic Trust, as appropriate, shall report to and consult with the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, or its successor.
34. Except as otherwise provided by this act, all appropriations from the bond funds established by this act shall be by specific allocation for each project, and any transfer of any funds so appropriated shall require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee or its successor. Except as otherwise provided by this act, any expenditure for a project for which the location is not identified by municipality and county in the appropriation shall require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee or its successor.
35. This section and sections 29 and 30 of this act shall take effect immediately and the remainder of this act shall take effect as and when provided in section 29.
STATEMENT
The bill, entitled the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014," authorizes the issuance of $200 million in State general obligation bonds for acquiring and developing lands for recreation and conservation purposes, preserving farmland, and funding historic preservation projects and "Blue Acres" projects.
Of the total sum authorized: (1) $109 million would be used for acquiring and developing lands for public recreation and conservation purposes, including lands that protect water supplies, under the Green Acres program; (2) $12 million would be used for the "Blue Acres" program; (3) $73 million would be used for farmland preservation purposes; and (4) $6 million would be used for historic preservation purposes.
Of the $109 million allocated for the Green Acres program, $45 million would be used for State open space acquisitions and park improvements and facilities, $55 million would be used for grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisitions and park improvements and facilities, and $9 million would be used for grants to fund open space acquisitions and park improvements and facilities undertaken by qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations.
"Blue Acres" is the term used to refer to properties that have been damaged by storms or storm-related flooding, that appear likely to incur such damage, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. Structures on a purchased property are demolished, the debris is removed, and the land is preserved as open space. Properties are purchased from willing sellers only. The Blue Acres program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program.
The bill provides that the bond act is to be submitted to the people for approval at the general election to be held at least 70 days after enactment and appropriates $5,000 to the Department of State for expenses in connection with the publication of the public question.
