Governor Christie Whitman announced today that New Jersey will commit an additional $1 million to preserve most of the last unprotected open lands in Sterling Forest. The acquisition of a total of 2,218 acres in New York State will help protect the water quality and supply for over 2 million residents of northern New Jersey.

In 1997, Governor Whitman led the preservation effort by announcing a grant of $10 million, subsequently matched by the federal government, New York State and non-profit organizations.

Today, Gov. Whitman said, "I am dedicating these additional funds for the same reason we began the preservation effort almost 3 years ago. We live downstream. If we protect the lands that provide drinking water to our residents, we avoid more costly water treatment expenses that wold have occurred with development. It only makes sense to ensure that future generations have affordable, safe and bountiful water."

During the past year, over 6300 people wrote to Governor Whitman urging that she contribute to preserving this land. In addition, a number of municipal and county resolutions were passed urging the preservation of lands within the Ramapo River Watershed.

Governor Whitman will work with the Legislature to ensure that the $ 1 million is available to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) and the other entities partnering to preserve Sterling Forest before the end of this year.

Governor Whitman's commitment complements efforts announced by PIPC, New York and the federal government today. In total, over 19,000 acres will be preserved as Sterling Forest State Park. Over 2,000 preserved acres are in New Jersey.