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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY TO ACCEPT THE JAKE’S LAW PLAYGROUND FUNDING GRANT FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, GREEN ACRES PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40:20-1 ET SEQ.
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WHEREAS, the County of Passaic (hereafter “County”) is a government body incorporated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:18-1, et seq. and vested with all rights contained therein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:20-1 the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic (hereafter “Board”) is vested with managing the property, finances, and affairs of the County; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program (“State”), provides loans and/or grants to municipal and county governments and grants to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the acquisition and development of lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes; and
WHEREAS, the State is accepting applications for the Jake’s Law Playground Funding grant, with the goal of promoting accessible park improvements for children and adults with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the County desires to further the public interest by obtaining a Green Acres grant from the State to fund the construction of a completely inclusive playground at Camp Hope in the Township of West Milford; and
WHEREAS, the State has informed the Director of the Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs that the County is eligible for the Jake’s Law Playground Funding grant from the State, with an award amount of nine hundred three thousand three hundred seventy five dollars ($903,375.00) to create a completely inclusive playground at Camp Hope in the Township of West Milford, designed in compliance with DCA regulations; and
WHEREAS, the County is required to provide a twenty-five percent (25%) cash match of project costs, which totals three hundred one thousand one hundred twenty-five dollars ($301,125.00); and
WHEREAS, this matter was discussed on July 9, 2025 by the Public Works Committee and is being recommended to the Board for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic hereby authorizes Kelly C. Ruffel, the Director of the Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs, to:
1. Accept a grant in the amount of nine hundred three thousand three hundred seventy five dollars ($903,375.00) for the inclusive playground at Camp Hope in the Township of West Milford; and
2. Provide additional application information as the case may be; furnish such documents as may be required; and
3. Act as the authorized correspondent for the County of Passaic
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations in its performance of the inclusive playground at Camp Hope in the Township of West Milford.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic hereby authorizes the monetary match in an amount not to exceed three hundred one thousand one hundred twenty-five dollars ($301,125.00).
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk to the Board, County Counsel, Director of Cultural & Historic Affairs, and the Director of the Board are authorized to take any other steps necessary to carry out the purpose of this resolution.
KJB July 15, 2025