FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026
Contact: Anthony Campisi
Anthony@WalnutLaneStrategies.com
(732) 266-8221
New Jersey LCV Praises Governor Sherrill and Legislature for Critical Water Infrastructure Funding and Saving the NJ School of Conservation in Budget Deal
In response to the newly finalized New Jersey state budget deal, Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:
New Jersey LCV hails Governor Sherrill and environmental champions in the Legislature for delivering a budget that prioritizes public health, environmental equity and lowering costs for working families. By reversing previous trends and increasing funding for our water infrastructure, our state leaders are making an important investment in New Jersey’s future.
This additional funding will unlock federal matching dollars to modernize our aging water and stormwater systems. Cleaner water means healthier families, but it also protects the vibrant lakes and streams that drive our state’s tourism and economic development and prevents flooding that threatens lives and endangers our homes and businesses. And by funding these critical upgrades in our state budget, we are directly saving money for working families and local businesses who won’t have to see these costs passed down onto their utility bills as rate increases.
While this budget represents an important first step in restoring funding of our water infrastructure, we still have more to do. Despite this progress, this budget falls $7 million short — which means we are still leaving federal funds on the table. We look forward to working with Governor Sherrill and the Legislature to continue increasing investments in these programs in the future.
At the same time, we are thrilled that the Governor and the Legislature came together in a true bipartisan fashion to save the New Jersey School of Conservation. This internationally recognized educational center does more than teach science — it prepares the next generation of climate leaders and breaks down historic barriers by expanding outdoor access for low-income families and children of color.
Today’s budget ensures that New Jersey’s breathtaking natural environment can be discovered and enjoyed by every student and teacher, regardless of their ZIP code. We thank Governor Sherrill and our legislative champions for listening to the environmental community and securing these landmark wins.