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2/10/14

Van Drew and Andrzejczak Bill Allows Towns to Provide Free Beach Access to Veterans

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TRENTON — Legislation sponsored by Senators Jeff Van Drew and Jim Beach that will allow shore towns, by ordinance, to provide free or reduced cost beach access to military veterans has been signed into law by Governor Christie.

The measure (S-958) expands New Jersey law, which had already allowed towns to provide free or discounted beach tags to active duty military and active duty New Jersey National Guard members.

“Military veterans have sacrificed so much for our country. While we are at the shore in the summer enjoying vacation time with our families and friends, our military personnel are on the battlefields fighting for our freedoms,” said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “When members of our Armed Forces have completed their service to this country, the least we can do is to offer these men and women free access to our beaches. This law is a great way for municipalities to show their appreciation to our troops and to establish their community as ‘veteran-friendly.’”

The law stems from an initiative launched in Sea Isle City in 2010, in which a local VFW group worked with Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio to partner with the municipality to purchase beach tags for veterans. Prior to this law’s signing, a municipality on its own could not provide free or reduced cost beach tags to military veterans.

“The brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces deserve the highest level of respect and honor from our state,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden), chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. “State law already allows shore towns to offer free and reduced cost beach tags to active duty military personnel. Extending their authority so they can offer this benefit to military veterans is the right thing to do for these men and women and a small way we can thank them for their service.”

The bill was approved unanimously by both houses of the Legislature. The law takes effect immediately.