Nearly five years after rejecting it, New Jersey officials have agreed to a deal to take over an island in the Delaware River between Pennsauken and Philadelphia.
The state's Natural Lands Trust board unanimously agreed Friday to accept the donation of Petty's Island from Citgo Petroleum Corp.
The firm provided the agency with a conservation easement and agreed to continue cleaning up pollution on the nearly 400-acre island, which was used for fuel storage.
The company also will provide $2 million for its preservation and $1 million for educational and cultural resources.
Despite its industrial past, the island is home to a pair of nesting bald eagles and hosts migrating birds and waterfowl.
A developer once had plans to construct up a golf course, homes and a conference center on the island, but has since abandoned the idea.
NJ Accepts Oil Donation of Delaware River Island
The island is home to a pair of nesting bald eagles
Copyright AP - Associated Press
