The Alternative Press

 A bipartisan economic growth measure, S-743, sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris, to lengthen previously approved permits by two years was signed into law today by Governor Chris Christie.

 “The governor’s action today assures New Jersey will not experience wholesale project abandonments that could significantly hamper an economic recovery,” said Oroho, a member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee. “This measure will help jump-start reasonable development projects that have been stalled due to current economic factors. It is a balanced measure in that it will help grow jobs while keeping in place any federal or state environmental protections that currently exist.”

The new law can also assist economic growth in the Highlands region where a smart growth area has been designated.

“A smart growth area by definition is where suitable economic development can and should take place,” Oroho noted. “So including these areas in the bill made sense.”

This law amends the Permit Extension Act of 2008 to allow previously approved, stalled projects to receive permit extensions up to an additional two years through Dec. 31, 2014.

 “Government needs to partner with the business community in coming up with ways to improve our economic standing,” said Oroho.  “Financial incentives are part of the equation, but this legislation was also a textbook example of when government can lend a helping hand without expending additional resources.”

 “Our shared goal is simple – grow the economy, create jobs and get people working,” concluded Oroho.  “The Permit Extension Act will certainly help in the effort.”

 Governor Christie also signed two additional bipartisan business-related bills sponsored by Senator Oroho – S-742, the “Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act", a proposal which grew out of the Governor’s Red Tape Review Commission of which Senator Oroho is a member, and S-318, which streamlines local bidding requirements.