New Jersey's Plan to Build a 9-Mile Green Space to Fight Climate Change
Official: DEP Unveils Vision & Action Plan for New Jersey’s Newest State Park, a Nine-Mile Greenway in Essex and Hudson Counties (26/P005)
Reading: The document describes an annual update of ongoing climate resilience work by state agencies, which extends existing efforts rather than creating new protections or substantially changing policy stringency.
The state released this plan as part of its annual update on how different government agencies are working together on climate protection.
In clear language
New Jersey is creating a new 9-mile park and green corridor across Essex and Hudson Counties to help protect communities from climate impacts like flooding and extreme weather. This project is part of the state's broader effort to build climate resilience by protecting homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. The state released this plan as part of its annual update on how different government agencies are working together on climate protection.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Residents of Essex and Hudson Counties who will have access to the new green space
- Homeowners and businesses in flood-prone areas that may benefit from improved climate protection
- People who use parks and outdoor spaces for recreation and wellness
- Communities that may experience reduced flooding and better air quality from the greenway
What can you do?
- Learn more about the new greenway project and how it might affect your neighborhood by visiting the NJ DEP website
- Participate in public input opportunities or community meetings about the park development
- Support climate resilience in your own area by planting trees, managing stormwater, and advocating for green spaces in your community
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- DEPApr 22, 2026New Jersey Awards $14.8 Million to Protect Coastal Communities from Flooding Through Nature-Based Solutions
New Jersey is giving out $14.8 million to help three coastal communities in Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean counties protect themselves from flooding by restoring natural ecosystems like wetlands and marshes that act as natural barriers against storms. These projects use nature-based solutions instead of artificial structures to reduce flood damage. The funding was announced during Earth Week 2026.
- DEPApr 21, 2026New Jersey Expands Program to Help Communities Prepare for Flooding
New Jersey is expanding its Resilient NJ program by adding two new regions to help communities work together on flooding prevention and preparedness. The program brings multiple towns in the same area together to create regional plans that protect residents from floods. This expansion was announced during Earth Week as part of the state's commitment to addressing climate-related flooding threats.
- DEPMar 5, 2026New Jersey Gives Money to 22 Towns to Prevent Wildfires
New Jersey is giving $90,000 in grants to 22 communities to help them prepare for wildfire season by reducing wildfire risks. This funding is part of efforts to protect residents as wildfire seasons are getting longer due to climate change. The grants will help communities take action before spring wildfire season begins.
- DEPJan 16, 2026New Jersey's 2026 Climate Resilience Progress Report
The New Jersey government released an update showing the work state agencies are doing to protect homes, people, roads, nature, and the economy from climate change impacts. This report tracks how different state departments are working together to make New Jersey more prepared for climate-related challenges like flooding and extreme weather. The update demonstrates the state's commitment to building a stronger, more resilient state.