Section 5:12-173.10 - Findings, declaration relative to CRDA urban revitalization programThe Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Legalized casino gambling was approved by New Jersey's voters in 1976 as a "unique tool of urban redevelopment" to facilitate the revitalization of Atlantic City and other distressed municipalities throughout the State;b. The Legislature created the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (the "CRDA") to oversee the investment of casino gambling revenues for development projects in Atlantic City and other areas throughout the State;c. During the past 25 years, the development of Atlantic City's multi-billion dollar casino industry and the CRDA's investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in housing, commercial and nonprofit projects have greatly benefited the people of New Jersey and have served as a model for many other states and countries that wished to emulate Atlantic City's successful record of casino development and economic growth;d. It is altogether fitting and proper on the occasion of the 25th year of legalized casino gaming in Atlantic City to establish a new program to facilitate the next phase of Atlantic City's development into a regional, national and international "destination resort" and at the same time, to insure that substantial commitments are made to projects to revitalize urban areas and promote continued economic growth throughout the State. L. 2001, c. 221, s. 2, eff. 10/23/2001.