Bipartisan legislation that would allow the Meadowlands Racetrack to be operated jointly by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) and a private lessee has been introduced by Assemblymen Ronald S. Dancer, Joe Malone and John Burzichelli

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The bill allows for a one-year transition period as the Meadowlands, which has been operating at large deficits, goes from state control to a private operation. The bill, A-3710, introduced Thursday, is necessary as officials complete an agreement in which Jeff Gural, a New York racetrack owner-operator and real estate developer, will take over the racetrack.

“This is an important part of the plan to keep horse racing at the Meadowlands without cost to taxpayers,” Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth said. “This will allow racing to continue without interruption as all the details and licensing involved in the transfer are completed.”

The bill allows for a jointly-operated transition period to last for one year, or until the new owner is approved and licensed to operate the track.

“This is a practical step that will ensure horse racing will remain at the Meadowlands as it is transferred to become a privately-run facility,” Malone, R-Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, said. “This will give Mr. Gural every opportunity to make the Meadowlands successful again.”

The bill has bipartisan support from Burzichelli, D-Gloucester, chairman of the Assembly Regulatory, Oversight and Gaming Committee.

(New Jersey State Assembly Republican Office)