Call for flood-prone areas to be preserved - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Call for flood-prone areas to be preserved

Posted: Updated:

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Environmentalists say flooding caused by Superstorm Sandy has highlighted the need to continue to buy open space.

They say some flood-prone properties should be bought from homeowners and preserved as wetlands.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering ways to replenish the state's open space preservation fund, which is broke.

Options include dedicating $200 million a year from sales taxes to open space, imposing a water-user fee or borrowing.

Proponents have long sought a permanent or pay-as-you-go funding source.

The Keep It Green coalition of environmental groups favors dedicating 2.5 percent of sales tax revenue.

The Sierra Club prefers a water-use surcharge. The group says the state can't afford more borrowing and the sales tax levy has been decreasing and could be needed to help pay for transportation projects.

  • New Jersey NewsNew Jersey News

  • Passenger: 'I'm dead'

    Monday, June 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:26:45 GMT
    A man aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport claimed his fellow passengers on the plane had been poisoned and was screaming about going to die.
    A man aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport claimed his fellow passengers on the plane had been poisoned and was screaming about going to die.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:20:42 GMT
    Federal authorities have released new versions of flood zone maps, which could bring relief to some property owners.
    Federal authorities have released new versions of flood zone maps, which could bring relief to some property owners.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:56:27 GMT
    The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
    The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices