N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:1-78

If an appropriation made for purposes of this act is insufficient to pay all entitlements, those municipalities located in whole or in part in the preservation area, as designated in P.L.1979, c. 111 (C. 13:18A-1 et seq.) and which have suffered fiscal stress as a result of the implementation of P.L.1979, c. 111 (C. 13:18A-1 et seq.) shall have first priority in the disbursement of the amount due a qualified municipality under the procedures developed pursuant to section 4 of this act, and the entitlement for each qualified municipality not located in whole or in part in the preservation area shall be reduced in the same proportion as the remaining appropriation made is to the full entitlement amount.