The appraisals are transmitted to the State for its review. Based on this review the State will certify a per acre value that the State accepts as the maximum value that can be paid with State assistance for the land in question. The farms are ranked by the State based on a formula incorporating the quality of the farm and the landowners asking price. It is also recommended that an applicant consult an attorney and a tax advisor in regard to the program. Have identified funding in its Capital Budget to contribute the local share of easement purchase costs.
Actual amounts depend on the final survey of a property.
The State provides approximately 60 percent of the certified appraisal value of an easement. Middlesex County's policy is to provide 20 percent of the certified value. The remaining portion of the actual purchase price is the responsibility of the municipality. Document through its adopted Master Plan resolutions or municipal actions a commitment to agriculture preservation in the municipality.