LAKE HOPATCONG COMMISSION
Funding Update

LHC Chairman Arthur Ondish reported that the State of New Jersey would provide bridge funding for the Lake Hopatcong Commission to continue its operations.  In return, the Commission, with support from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), will explore implementing some type of user fee program to ensure there is a dedicated source to fund the Commission's work to restore Lake Hopatcong. 

At the March 19, 2007 LHC meeting, Chairman Ondish outlined his discussions with Governor Jon Corzine during a meeting held earlier in the month.  The Commission and NJ DEP will work together to determine the amount of bridge funding needed.  The Commission did receive assurances that bridge funding would be available before the current funds run out which will allow the LHC seven employees to continue working. Without any additional State funding, the Commission would have become insolvent during the April-May timeframe.

Many concerned citizens and governing bodies joined our Commissioners to fight for funding.  Meetings were held with elected officials and residents.  Letters, resolutions and petitions flooded the Governor's office and DEP to support Commission funding and demand that a dedicated funding source be established.  

Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) meet and corresponded with DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson about the Commission funding issue.   Senator Bucco's letter and Commissioner Jackson's response discuss the important work of the Commission and the DEP outlines the cooperative lake management initiatives underway in the Lake Hopatcong Watershed as well as the need to establish a stable source of funding.

The Commission received over $1,400 in donations including one from a couple in Minnesota.  Those donations can now be earmarked for weed harvesting.

Special thanks to everyone that helped save the Commission.  Thanks to the ongoing efforts and determination of so many, the Commission will continue our work to protect Lake Hopatcong.  Of course, you can expect to see the weed harvesters out on Lake Hopatcong this summer.  

Updated:  04/27/2007