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A measure asking voters on the Nov. 3 ballot to approve a $400 million bond to pay for open space, farmland and historic preservation was overwhelmingly approved Thursday by the Legislature.

"The New Jersey open space program is the nation's most successful land preservation program, yet it has been left penniless while critical tracts of open space, farmland or historic sites are unprotected," said Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex), a prime sponsor.

"Allowing this program to languish is an expense New Jerseyans simply cannot afford. Neglect of this program would have serious impacts on our environment, health and quality of life."

The legislation would authorize the sale of $400 million in bonds to purchase farmland and open space for preservation and improvements to historic sites through the state's Garden State Preservation Trust.

The $200 million for open space approved by voters in 2007 has been allocated.

"We have a responsibility to protect these valuable tracts of land today before they are lost to development at the expense of generations to come," said Riley.

– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM