NJ A6035

Streamlines grant applications for soil and water conservation projects on preserved farms by requiring county agriculture development board review only when the county is providing funding; otherwise, applications go directly from local soil conservation districts to the State Soil Conservation Committee

Eliminates the current requirement that landowners provide 50 percent of project costs as a cost-share for soil and water conservation grants

Requires grant recipients who fail to maintain projects for the agreed-upon term (minimum three years) to repay funds on a pro rata basis to the State Agriculture Development Committee or county board

Exempts grant recipients from repayment obligations in cases of bankruptcy, death, incapacitating illness of the owner, or documented extreme weather events

Takes effect immediately upon enactment