The second phase of farmland preservation acquisitions in Franklin Township has been completed by the county, leading to a combined 240 acres free from development.

The Gloucester County freeholder board recently approved four purchases for a total of 42 acres.

In addition to paying its own portion, the county agreed to pay the township's part of the tab to ensure the land got preserved.

"It's pretty important," said Deputy Freeholder Director Robert Damminger. "It gives them a larger area and a more defined open space. ... It's nice to get that big greenway."

According to the arrangement, the state will reimburse the county for the township's portion of the cost, which is approximately $56,000. The rest, close to $224,500, is paid for through the county's open space tax.

Combined with a similar effort late last year, that puts the total at 240 acres in the township, according to county Administrator Chad Bruner.

All eight properties are located in the same area, in many cases being adjoining parcels of land, according to Bruner.

"It's an opportunity that would have been lost if we didn't participate with the town to help them out," said Bruner. "The county has always been seeking to preserve open space and farmland for the residents of Gloucester County to enhance their quality of life."