Republican lawmakers, aided by only a smattering of Democratic votes, adopted the $22.9 billion state budget for 2001-02 late Thursday, three days before it must take effect.

The budget passed the Senate, 26-13, then passed the Assembly, 55-22 with one abstention. Acting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco is expected to sign it into law today.

Assembly Speaker Jack Collins, R-Salem, who won't support a Newark arena or Meadowlands redevelopment unless there are also projects in South Jersey, met with DiFrancesco Thursday and emerged happy enough to nearly support an expanded plan.

In fact, Collins' office confirmed that a bill enabling the Newark arena project to move forward was introduced in the Assembly late Thursday night.

In the meeting, Collins detailed ideas for South Jersey projects, which Collins told NJN TV include athletic fields and zoo expansion.

Assemblyman Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden, voted against the budget. He said Assembly support of the Newark arena would be contingent on construction of a Rowan University field house and a civic center in Camden County.

"If Newark gets the arena, Camden County will get its civic center," said Roberts, who hopes to own half of a minor-league hockey franchise that would play at the civic center.