Lake Hopatcong Commission Loses State Funding

The Lake Hopatcong Commission's worst fear may have been realized.

Sen. Anthony R. Bucco (R-25) said Thursday that the state legislature had pulled , which is on the verge of running out of cash.

"That lake is going to turn into a swamp," Bucco said. "If that's what they went to happen, then it's going to happen."

Bucco blamed the Democrats for pulling the $600,000, which would have been used for lake-improvement projects. The commission's latest move—spending about $30,000 in July weed harvesting—was made with the hope of state reimbursement and depleted most of the commission's money, Chairman Russ Felter said.

Felter couldn't immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

Bucco said he "didn't have any indications" the money would stay in the budget.

"I told them it's important and everybody nods their heads," he said. "Sometimes I wonder if the nod up and down is a different type of nod that means no. It's unfortunate."

Bucco had said senators Steven Oroho (R-24) and Joe Pennacchio (R-26) backed his move to fund the commission.

Bucco said the commission could survive, however, since Gov. Chris Christie hopes to insert legislation into the budget bill giving the commission money from non-tidal boat fees.

"Then I don't have to worry about money every year, it would be a steady source of funding," said Bucco, who estimated the commission could receive between $600,000 and $700,000 a year through the bill.

What does this mean to Lake Hopatcong's future? Tell us in the comments.