June 10, 2021| Advocacy, Environment, Recreation
By: Marty Kane
On June 3, 2021, the New Jersey Senate passed bill S3618, which would make a supplemental appropriation of $10 million to be used for management and maintenance efforts of New Jersey’s lakes for recreation and conservation purposes. Sponsored by Senators Steve Oroho, Joseph Pennacchio, and Anthony Bucco, this legislation is a milestone as it marks the first time that lakes have been recognized for direct state funding.
Advocacy is a critical component of our work at the Foundation and bringing additional resources to Lake Hopatcong to meet its many challenges is a major part of these efforts. The advancement of this legislation represents many months of effort in which we have played an active and prominent role, including testifying in person before the NJ Senate Environment & Energy Committee in support of the Bill.
Currently, we are working diligently with members of the Assembly and allies within the lakes community to bring the Assembly version of this legislation (A5778) to a vote before the legislature adjourns at the end of the month.
While success is by no means assured, we are working diligently to ensure Assembly members recognize the importance of this Bill for the health and vitality of Lake Hopatcong and lakes across the state.
$10 million legislation to help NJ lakes affected by algae advances
