Highlands Plan on Corzine’s Desk

By SCOTT FALLON, STAFF WRITER

The much-debated plan that will map out preservation and development in the Highlands is now in the hands of Governor Corzine.

The Highlands Council voted Thursday to send the regional master plan to Corzine, who has 30 days to either accept or veto it.

Corzine’s staff has repeatedly said that he has not made up his mind and will review the 400-page document in detail.

The plan aims to preserve water and maintain its quality in the 859,000-acre watershed, which covers 88 municipalities spread over seven counties, including Bergen, Passaic and Morris. Water from this region serves millions of residents.

The plan was adopted last week in a 9-5 vote by the council after several last-minute amendments to shore up environmental regulations were defeated.

A coalition of environmental groups faxed a letter to Corzine on Wednesday calling for a veto. They fear that allowing development on already taxed aquifers will deplete the region’s water supply.

“Just a few changes that would take just a few minutes and they wouldn’t be selling out the water supply of over 5 million New Jerseyans and our three largest industries,” said David Pringle, campaign director of the New Jersey Environmental Federation

The Highlands Council staff maintains that water will be protected.

“History will prove that the council’s plan protected, restored and enhanced water quality for the state,” said Eileen Swan, the council’s executive director.

***

E-mail: fallon@northjersey.com

(c) 2008 Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.