U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) has introduced the Community Parks Revitalization Act to enhance funding opportunities for local park construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance throughout New Jersey and beyond.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Parks are the cornerstones of our communities, bringing neighborhoods together, improving public health, and protecting our environment,” Menendez said in a statement.
“In our community, spaces like Liberty State Park are gathering points for families and individuals alike – my own family included. Unfortunately, lack of funding over the years has contributed to the deterioration of these vital spaces across the country. This bill will address that challenge head on, giving local governments the tools they need to support parks for generations to come.”
Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the act would aid local governments in construction, rehabilitation, and innovation of parks and recreational facilities by authorizing matching grant and loan programs.
The bill also requires that underserved communities with deficient access to parks, especially those with a high concentration of low-income, racial or ethnic minority, under-employed, military, or disabled persons, be prioritized for funding.
“From amounts made available for Federal purposes under section 5 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C.460l–7), there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, to remain available until expended, of which in each such fiscal year,” the bill says.
” … Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report summarizing the financial performance of the projects that are receiving, or have received, assistance under this title, including a recommendation as to whether the objectives of this title are being met.”
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