Take Action > Save NJ Historic Trust Funding

In November 2009, New Jersey's voters approved a "stop gap" Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) funding measure that appropriated $12 million ($6 million annually) in funding to the New Jersey Historic Trust. Now, in 2012, more sites have received desperately-needed funding thanks to that bond act, but over two years has passed, and the 2009 funding is running dry. GSPT remains without a long-term funding source, putting the fund and its historic preservation and open space and farmland conservation activites at risk once again.

The Keep It Green Campaign, representing over 160 statewide, regional, and local organizations (including Preservation New Jersey) is again advocating for long-term, stable GSPT funding of at least $200 million annually for 20 years or more.  YOU can help by becoming a member of the Keep It Green Coalition, or endorsing the Keep It Green Campaign, here. You can also donate to the campaign or volunteer your time to help save this critical funding source.

Historic preservation is a central activity of GSPT funds, and the New Jersey Historic Trust is the most signifcant source of state-level funding for preservation in New Jersey. These grants leverage thousands of dollars in non-state investment annually, and the projects they fund create countless jobs statewide. All this while saving our state's irreplacable historic, and natural, heritage. Help us save the New Jersey Historic Trust, and make your voice heard in support of historic preservation- get involved with Keep It Green today!

Follow Keep It Green on Facebook, and check back here regularly, for news and updates.

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2009 Campaign Activity

Nov. 3:  Ballot measures passes!

 

On Nov. 3, NJ voters approved continuation of the State’s investment in preserving historic places through the NJ Historic Trust grant program, as well as preserve clean water, working farms, natural areas, parks and historic sites.  

 

NJ Historic Trust board chair Debbie Marquis Kelly said, "The Historic Trust is very pleased that Garden State voters continue to demonstrate strong commitment to preserving our history by passing the GSPT bond referendum, which includes $12 million for historic preservation grants.   Since 1990, the New Jersey Historic Trust has awarded more than $123 million in matching grants to 601 preservation projects throughout the state.  The Trust ‘s grants have not only preserved many of New Jersey’s historic resources for the education and enjoyment of the public, but have contributed greatly to economic recovery efforts by creating jobs, revitalizing neighborhoods and generating heritage tourism dollars.  Now that funding for historic preservation grants has been extended for an additional two years by the bond referendum, the Trust looks forward to working with our partners to establish a permanent funding source for GSPT programs."

 

Benefits include jobs that will be created from historic preservation, park construction and other activities. Open space and farmland acquisition and protection will provide ecosystem services (such as water purification, waste treatment and flood mitigation), natural goods (such as fish and farm products), and outdoor recreation and tourism activities. The cost would be $10 annually per household, based on a 20-year bond at 5% interest.

Guests at Preservation New jersey's Oct. 1 Gala at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange bid on a table centerpieces auction and raised more than $4,000 for the Keep it Green Bond Question Campaign. Thanks to Schtiller & Plevy and all the bidders!

See photos of the Wed., Oct. 21 rally at the Essex County Courthouse, Newark, a national award-winning restoration and rehabilitation

More information available at the Keep It Green Coalition website, or Facebook : NJ Keep it Green.

The Garden State Preservation Trust has published a one-page description of Public Question #1