NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Funding for open-space preservation and acquisition was put before New Jersey voters Tuesday in what was expected to be a barometer of attitudes about the state's fiscal woes.
The ``Green Acres'' ballot question asked voters to approve $400 million in new borrowing to replenish a program that is out of money two years after they approved $200 million in emergency funds.
In 11 previous votes dating back to 1961, New Jerseyans have backed some form of open-space funding, usually by a considerable margin. But the 2007 vote was close, and a recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll indicated voters were split over whether to approve the measure this time around.
The money has been used over the last few decades to buy land for recreation and conservation, preserve farmland and pay for historic preservation projects.
Opponents have said the state must stop borrowing money. Supporters have said funds are needed to buy land for sale at discounted prices.
Some state lawmakers have proposed bills that would create a more stable source of funding for open-space initiatives, but none has gained enough support to bring the measures to a vote.
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