U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen’s (R-NJ) bill to extend the authorization of the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) took a significant step forward on Wednesday when it was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee.
The legislation, H.R. 894, would extend the HCA through 2021.
“This legislation recognizes what many New Jerseyans already know: the Highlands is a critical watershed region which provides drinking water for millions,” Frelinghuysen said. “It must be protected. While we have been successful in protecting thousands of acres over the last decade, there is still work to be done. It is imperative that we continue to promote work in public-private partnerships with our local and county officials to maximize open space in the Highlands, while ensuring private property rights.”
The HCA was authored by Frelinghuysen in 2004. It serves as integral part of an ongoing effort to protect the water supply of more than 11 million Americans in the northeast United States. It also reaffirms the federal commitment to preserve the Highlands as a national priority.
The HCA has authorized $10 million per year since 2004 to provide for land conservation partnership projects and open space purchases from willing sellers. It also authorized $1 million annually for ongoing technical assistance and research in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut, which make up the four-state Highlands region. Additionally, it allows municipal, county and state efforts already in place to be matched by the federal government.
To date, the HCA has protected more than 5,500 acres in the Highlands region.