NEW YORK, NY September 06, 2008 —New Jersey Governor Corzine has signed off on a plan to help protect the northwest portion of the state, which supplies many residents with drinking water. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

REPORTER: The Highlands Master Plan covers 88 towns in seven counties, including portions of Bergen, Passaic, and Morris counties.

For decades rapid development in the Highlands had threatened both the quality and quantity of the drinking water that 60% of New Jersey residents depend on. Now, Governor Corzine has signed off on a master plan to limit construction in the most ecologically sensitive lands in that region. And he also added ten million dollars to help encourage farmers to keep farming.

The Sierra Club's Jeff Tittle wanted Corzine to veto the Highlands plan, saying it permits too much development. And there could be a legal challenge. The Highlands Act already has withstood several legal challenges from developers.

For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.