$10 million funding bill to aid lakes affected by harmful algae passed by NJ Senate

A bill to help New Jersey lakes affected by harmful algae and other environmental issues in recent years is one step closer to being signed into law after the state Senate unanimously approved it Thursday.

The Senate voted 36-0, with four members not voting, in favor of S-3618, which would make a "supplemental appropriation" of $10 million for recreation and conservation purposes on lakes in New Jersey's Highlands and Pinelands regions. The measure is co-sponsored by Republican representatives Steve Oroho of Sussex County, Anthony Bucco of Morris County and Joseph Pennacchio of Morris County.

The three legislators' districts include Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, both forced to close for large portions of the past two summers because of the harmful algal blooms (HABs). Beaches were shut down for swimming, and that kept residents and tourists away, negatively affecting local businesses around each lake. 

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The legislation calls for the state Department of Environmental Protection to develop a process for evaluating grant applications and prioritize projects that improve water quality and increase recreational access. It would also require the DEP to approve applications from the Lake Hopatcong Commission and Greenwood Lake Commission, giving each group a minimum grant of $750,000.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 25 and advanced by the Environment and Energy Committee on May 11. It now moves to the Assembly for a vote and, if approved there, will go to Gov. Phil Murphy for a signature.