Upper Freehold and Millstone both pride themselves on the amount of land they have in farmland preservation and their rural way of life.

Recently, the governing bodies of both western Monmouth County townships signed a resolution supporting the installation of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at horse racing tracks in New Jersey.

The resolution states that the residents of New Jersey have developed a strong relationship with horses for more than two centuries, and their importance was acknowledged when the horse was declared the state animal.

New Jersey houses about 42,000 horses, of which 30,000 are involved in nonracing activities and 12,500 are involved in racing-related activities.

The state has 7,200 equine operations with more than $4 billion in equine-related assets, and the role of the horse in sports, recreation, youth development, therapy for the handicapped, and the rehabilitation of troubled adults and children is important to the state, according to the resolution.

The resolution also notes that researchers recognize the significant impact of the equine industry on the state’s economy, both directly and indirectly generating approximately $1.1 billion annually and by contributing more than $160 million in federal, state and local taxes while employing more than 13,000 people.

The resolution also states that the equine industry’s impact on traditional agriculture uses at least 20 percent of the state’s agricultural acres, and encourages the preservation and maintenance of open space and farmland to improve the quality of life within the state and communities.

According to the resolution, the equine industry needs a strong and viable racing industry that directly and indirectly supports all aspects of the horse world, including but not limited to boarding and training facilities, hay and feed production, professional and amateur show competitions, youth organizations such as 4-H, and pleasure riding.

The towns recognize that the installation of slot machines and VLTs in neighboring racetracks in New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the pending installation in Maryland have made racing far more attractive and lucrative for horsemen in those states than in New Jersey, thereby jeopardizing the foundation of the equine industry in this state.

“Residents enjoy every aspect the horse industry has to offer, both racing and non-racing, and an improved quality of life, and we are deeply committed to promoting and protecting the integrity of the equine industry,” the resolution states.

The resolution urges that recipients of the resolution, including Gov. Chris Christie, to support the installation of VLTs at state racetracks and to ensure that the New Jersey Casino Commission subsidizes the racetracks with at least $45 million annually so the tracks can compete with those in surrounding states.

“Not only is a healthy racing industry necessary to support the equine industry, but it is also crucial to keep our state green with preserved open space and farmland,” the resolution states.

At the Feb. 17 Millstone Township Committee meeting, Mayor Nancy Grbelja, an owner of standardbred racehorses, said that many members of the community are employed in the equine industry. She said the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders would pass a similar resolution, because the county is home to Monmouth Park in Oceanport and to Freehold Raceway in Freehold.

“They generate money and income for the community,” Grbelja said. “It would be devastating if it went by the wayside.”

Millstone is home to Showplace Farms, a large training center on Route 33.

Upper Freehold has preserved more than 8,000 acres, and much of that acreage is home to breeding farms such as Walnridge, Perretti Farms, Heritage Hill, Fair Winds, Concord Stud and others. Another major training center, White Birch Farm, is in Upper Freehold on Route 526.

On Feb. 3, Christie issued executive order 11, which states that New Jersey’s gaming, professional sports and entertainment industries are confronting unprecedented financial and structural challenges that require immediate action to restore financial accountability for taxpayer benefit.

To that end, he created a New Jersey Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission. Christie has charged the commission with giving him recommendations for a comprehensive, statewide approach to resolving the issues and financial needs of the state’s gaming, professional sports and entertainment industries.

T

he commission will focus on addressing

the ongoing financial viability of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, advancing or resolving the stalled Xanadu project, improving the competitiveness of the gaming industry in Atlantic City, promoting Atlantic City as a destination resort, and ensuring that horse racing in New Jersey becomes self-sustaining.

The commission will issue its final report no later than June 30, at which time the commission will expire.