It's Official: Central Jersey Exists, And There's A Law To Prove It

CENTRAL JERSEY — Residents in the heart of the Garden State can plant their flags proudly, after a long quest to recognize "Central Jersey" as an official region of the state.

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill that will re-draw New Jersey's state tourism map to include the Central Jersey region — including, at minimum, the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset. The legislation (S3206/A4711) will direct the Division of Travel and Tourism to include Central Jersey in its marketing campaigns, promoting overnight stays and highlighting the region's rich history, Murphy said.

"The region has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, with a legacy graced by historical figures like George Washington," he said. "And today, Central Jersey is home to some of the nation’s leading public universities and host to beautiful agricultural landscapes and activities for tourists to immerse themselves in. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share these wonders with the world.”

This legislation will ensure more state tourism dollars go into promoting the Central Jersey region — and the increase in travel and tourism could bring in more tax revenue to the state and local governments, supporters said.

Democratic legislators in the region, Senator Andrew Zwicker and Assemblyman Roy Freiman, were the primary sponsors of this legislation. Zwicker said Central Jersey's recognition as a hub of tourism, innovation, and history "is long overdue."

"This law will promote travel to our quaint river towns and canal villages, scenic walking sites, harvest festivals, breweries, and more Revolutionary War sites than you’ll find anywhere else," he said. "Central Jersey offers some of the best experiences to those traveling and vacationing in New Jersey."

The bill could increase state costs by about $1 million in the first year the bill is in effect, "due to the creation of a new Central Jersey region on the State tourism map and the promotion of overnight stays," according to the state Office of Legislative Services.

"The specific cost impact will depend on decisions the Division of Travel and Tourism will make to implement the provisions of this bill," the OLS added.

The bill will go into effect in 90 days.

The debate about Central Jersey's existence was brought to light nationally when Governor Phil Murphy gave Central Jersey a shout out during his inauguration speech in 2018. This prompted Stephen Colbert at the time to do a segment interviewing Murphy about the controversial topic when he hosted the "Late Show."

Related article:

• 'Central Jersey Does Exist,' Say NJ Legislators Pushing New Bill