SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 1652

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 14, 1997

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1652 (1R).

      Senate Bill No. 1652 (1R) reappropriates $8,036,000 from the "Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation Fund" (established pursuant to the "New Jersey Green Acres, Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 1987," P.L.1987, c.265) for cultural projects approved for funding under Round IV of the Cultural Centers Bond Issue Program. The six projects recommended for funding were the most favorably evaluated among the 44 applications received in Round IV of the bond program to build, expand or renovate cultural centers. An independent panel composed of six individuals, expert in various aspects for cultural center design, construction and operation, reviewed and evaluated each proposal. With the approval of the projects included in this bill, a total of 19 cultural center projects will have been funded under the bond program.

      According to the State Council on the Arts, approximately $8,787,622 in previously appropriated bond funds remain unexpended due to project cancellation or withdrawal, or the inability to execute a contract with a grant applicant; therefore, the bill reappropriates a portion of these unexpended funds for the listed projects, and cancels the previous appropriation for any unexpended funds in excess of the amount reappropriated. The determination that the funds are unexpended due to cancellation or withdrawal or the inability to execute a contract will be made by the State Council on the Arts.

      Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 98 of 1996 (Martin/Kyrillos), the resolution approving the projects and the recommended funding for the projects listed in this bill, is currently pending before the Senate.

      As reported, this bill is identical to Assembly Bill No. 49 (1R) of 1996 (Murphy/Gibson).

FISCAL IMPACT

       This bill cancels approximately $8,787,622 in previously appropriated funds from the "Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation Fund" that remain unexpended and reappropriates $8,036,000 for cultural projects approved for funding under Round IV of the Cultural Centers Bond Issue Program.