Albano & Milam Bill Providing Funding to Preserve New Jersey History Signed into Law

Measure Will Provide Grants for Statewide Historic Preservation Projects, Including a Number in Cape May, Atlantic & Cumberland Counties

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (both D- Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) allocating over $10 million to help preserve many historic buildings and landmarks throughout New Jersey was signed into law on Monday.

"New Jersey has played many significant roles in history since our nation's founding," said Albano.  "These grants will help ensure that many historical structures weather the test of time to continue telling the story of our state."

The new law (S-2898/A-4058) would appropriate $10,250,780 to the New Jersey Historic Trust for the purpose of providing grants for certain historic preservation projects throughout the state.

"This funding is particularly welcome in such a difficult economy because it will enable us to safeguard our history without placing a further burden on local property taxes," said Milam.  "These grants will help preserve many historical landmarks so that future generations can learn to appreciate our rich heritage."

Locally, the measure will provide capital preservation grants for the following projects in the 1st Legislative District:

CAPE MAY COUNTY

• $251,340 for Hangar No. 1 at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Foundation in Lower Township;
• $750,000 for the Ocean City Life Saving Station in Ocean City; and

CUMBERLAND COUNTY:

• $150,000 for the Millville Bank in Millville City.

The New Jersey Historic Trust was created by law in 1967 to preserve historic resources across the state.  Under the stewardship of the trust, the Garden State Historic Trust Fund provides matching grants for preservation planning and capital projects to stabilize, repair, restore and rehabilitate historic property.