Gov. Christie Signs Measures To Clean Up Barnegat Bay

TRENTON, NJ (CBS) -- New Jersey's efforts to clean up Barnegat Bay now have three new laws in their corner -- but another proposal on how to pay for it is running into opposition.

The three bills signed last week by governor Chris Christie are historic, says Stanton Hales, program director of the Barnegat Bay Partnership.  The measures regulate fertilizer use, water runoff, and soil compaction -- which can lead to water runoff.

Hales expects new regulations on fertilizers to create a new mindset in nearby bay communities.

"This is the cheapest way to keep nutrients out of our watershed," Hales told KYW Newsradio on Monday.  "Basically, putting them on the ground using best-management practices, at the appropriate times of year, and the appropriate products, will reduce the nutrients that end up in the Barnegat Bay."

The hang-up is that the state has no money.  A proposal to take a buck from beach tag fees has shore towns howling that their pockets are being picked for a statewide concern.

Reported by John Ostapkovich, KYW Newsradio 1060.