Legislation designed to aid Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, and other lakes in the Highlands and Pinelands regions of New Jersey notched a win after the Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced the bipartisan bill.
State Sens. Anthony Bucco (R-25) and Joe Pennacchio (R-26), along with State Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24) were joined across the aisle by State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-11) in sponsoring the $17 million legislative package (S-2246).
“Our lake communities have been devastated in back-to-back years by the financial impact of algal blooms and the coronavirus pandemic,” said Oroho. “After they’ve suffered so much, it is even more critical that the State step up to meet the need. With this substantial appropriation, we will help these important lakes remain healthy and open to the public.”
Supplemental Appropriation
Under the bill, a one-time supplemental appropriation of $17 million for Fiscal Year 2024 would be made to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from the General Fund.
“Our lakes are critical to the ecological and economic well-being of New Jersey, but they have been consistently underfunded by the State,” said Pennacchio. “This appropriation represents the most significant investment in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake in recent memory, if not ever. This one time infusion will ensure our lakes get the vital support they need.”
Recreational, Conversation Projects
DEP would be directed to utilize the funds to establish a program to issue grants to assist qualified entities to pay certain costs associated with the management and maintenance of the lakes. Recreational and conversation purposes would both be considered in funding.
The bill would instruct DEP to develop an evaluation process to rank applications for grants. Projects improving water quality and increasing recreational access would be given priority.
“Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake are two of the most important destinations for summer recreation in northern New Jersey, so it’s important we guarantee them a significant level of funding,” added Bucco.
Battling HABs
The Senators were quick to note that efforts to control nutrient levels in lakes would also be given priority. This action would help to prevent harmful algal blooms (HABs).
“This money will help these lakes address algal blooms and weed proliferation that have threatened both boating and swimming for many years,” said Bucco. “It’s my hope that this appropriation is just the first step in securing recurring State funding for the future needs of our lakes.”
During the 2020-2021 legislative session, the trio of Senators introduced a similar measure that appropriated $10 million to the DEP for the same purpose.
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