The funding recommendations still require legislative appropriations, while a newly signed law allows qualifying nonprofit projects on state land to receive grants covering their full cost.
TRENTON, NJ – Renovations at the New Jersey School of Conservation in Stokes State Forest are among the projects included in a state preservation-funding package announced Oct. 26, alongside park repairs, land purchases and voluntary buyouts of flood-prone homes.
The Garden State Preservation Trust approved the Department of Environmental Protection’s recommendations Oct. 21, according to DEP’s announcement, also available in its 2026 archive. The package now requires legislative appropriations before the recommended funding becomes available.
DEP described the package as more than $88 million. It identified $44.25 million for development and capital projects, $26.325 million for Blue Acres acquisitions, $11.825 million for state land acquisition and $7.663 million for nonprofit development projects. The four published categories total approximately $90.063 million.
Five nonprofit organizations were recommended for grants across three counties. DEP identified the School of Conservation renovations among those projects, along with work at Princeton Battlefield State Park, Whitesbog Village Historic Site and Washington Crossing State Park.
What flood-buyout funding means for homeowners
The Blue Acres program buys homes from willing sellers in flood-prone areas, removes structures and preserves the land for flood storage and compatible open-space uses.
Under the program’s eligibility guidance, repetitive flooding is a general basis for consideration, although individual funding sources carry additional requirements. Submitting an application expresses interest and does not guarantee an offer. Participation remains voluntary.
The consequences extend beyond an individual sale. Once a buyout is completed, permanent deed restrictions prevent the property from returning to residential or commercial development. Land can instead support uses such as trails, gardens, wetlands or other projects compatible with floodplain functions.
Tenants in rental properties selected for buyouts may qualify for relocation assistance. DEP advises landlords considering a sale not to direct tenants to leave; the program works with occupants on notice and assistance requirements.
An existing Blue Acres restoration project in East Hanover illustrates that process in Morris County. DEP’s project record says the state acquired three properties from willing sellers near the Black Brook tributary on Brentwood Drive by June 23. A subsequent soil investigation was intended to help guide grading, planting and future floodplain use.
That East Hanover work is an existing project with separate funding. Its inclusion in the program’s restoration records does not establish that the newly announced allocation is earmarked for those properties.
New authority for nonprofit projects on state land
Separately, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed S4495/A5321 on Oct. 27, authorizing DEP to waive matching requirements or award grants covering up to 100% of project costs for qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations developing, repairing or improving property on state-owned land.
The legislation leaves those decisions to DEP’s discretion. It permits full funding through the Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund or similar state funds; qualifying organizations do not automatically receive an award.
The law took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature. The separate preservation package remains subject to the appropriations process. DEP’s Blue Acres funding dashboard explains that pending preservation-trust funding is unavailable until the required approvals, legislative appropriation and governor’s signature are completed.
