State of New Jersey
Executive Order #13

Governor James J. Florio

WHEREAS, the continued economic growth and revitalization of Atlantic City and its surrounding area are of critical importance to all of the citizens of the State of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the development of Atlantic City from a gaming center into a worldwide resort and convention center is fundamental to its continued economic growth and revitalization; and

WHEREAS, this further development of Atlantic City will require that major decisions be made concerning the construction of housing, public facilities and other infrastructure, transportation, the environmental impact of further development and the means of funding such further development, which decisions must carefully assess the City's, region's and State's needs; and

WHEREAS, there exist many municipal, regional and State entities that have an impact on Atlantic City and its environs and that can and must participate in the decision making and implementation process; and

WHEREAS, the major decisions concerning the growth and revitalization of Atlantic City and the region must be made in the context of a unified and coordinated effort; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a Coordinating Council with a broad-based representation will ensure that the development occurs in a thoughtful and cohesive manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES J. FLORIO, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. There is hereby established the New Jersey-Atlantic City Coordinating Council. The Council shall provide the leadership necessary to develop Atlantic City into a resort, tourism and convention center while simultaneously providing for residents' housing needs and preserving existing neighborhoods. The Council shall ensure the coordination and cooperation between and among the State, regional and municipal agencies engaged in development activities in and around Atlantic City.

2. The Council shall be headed by the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Energy and Economic Development and the Mayor of Atlantic City who shall serve as its co-chairpersons. The membership of the Council shall also include the chairpersons of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the Casino Control Commission, the Atlantic County Improvement Authority, the Atlantic County Transportation Authority, the Atlantic County Convention Hall Authority and the Small, Women, and Minority Business Authority, the Commissioners of Transportation and Environmental Protection, the County Executive of Atlantic County and the Director of the Governor's Authorities Unit.

3. The co-chairpersons of the Council may appoint business representatives and any other appropriate local representatives to be members of the Council.

4. The Council shall identify development priorities for Atlantic City and Atlantic County. It shall review the City-Wide Study conducted by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the plans of Atlantic County Improvement Authority for a convention hall and housing development and the plans of the Atlantic City Housing Authority, the Corridor Development Team and Atlantic County Transportation Authority. The process shall also include discussions with the business community to identify its concerns, priorities and suggested solutions to investment and development issues.

5. Particular emphasis shall be placed on the following development projects:

a. Atlantic City International Airport; b. Transportation improvements; c. Continued housing development in the Northeast Inlet; d. Preservation of existing neighborhoods; e. Revitalization of Atlantic Avenue and the Development of other commercial areas; and f. Construction of a convention center at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway.

6. The co-chairpersons of the Council shall communicate with private developers, investors and banks to encourage appropriate investment and development in Atlantic City and the surrounding areas.

7. The Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Energy and Economic Development shall inquire of any State department to identify sources of financial assistance applicable to Atlantic City development projects with the purpose of committing those funds toward priority projects.

8. To the extent not inconsistent with law, each department, office, division or agency of this State is hereby directed to cooperate with the Council, and upon request of the Council to furnish such information and assistance as is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Order.

9. This Order shall take effect immediately and shall supersede any prior Executive Order with which it is inconsistent.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal
this 23rd day of August in the Year
of Our Lord, one thousand nine
hundred and ninety, and of the
Independence of the United States,
the two hundred and fifteenth.

/s/ James J. Florio
GOVERNOR

Attest:

/s/ John A. Sweeney
Counsel to the Governor