Pennacchio Applauds Advancement of Greenwood Lake Funding

Senator Joe Pennacchio commended the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approving legislation that will preserve and protect Greenwood Lake.

“Following the very trying summer for Greenwood Lake residents and businesses, the advancement of this State funding is a sign of hope,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “While the algae bloom had a devastating effect on the local economy, the approval of this legislation is the heartening step that recognizes that the State of New Jersey must prioritize funding to safeguard one of Passaic County’s most popular and scenic waterways, rather than let the expense fall on the backs of the local residents and business owners.”

Pennacchio is the Senate sponsor of S-2167, which would commit $500,000 annually to the “New Jersey Greenwood Lake Fund.” The funding would be dedicated from existing New Jersey boat registration and renewal fees from the “Maritime Industry Fund.”

Today, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed A-3804, the Assembly version of the bill.

Senator Pennacchio has been a long-time supporter of establishing the Greenwood Lake Fund. An interstate waterway, Greenwood Lake spans nine miles across the New Jersey/New York border. The lake feeds two of North Jersey’s major sources of drinking water, the Monksville and Wanaque reservoirs.

Monies dedicated to the Greenwood Lake Fund will be used to protect, preserve, maintain, and enhance the New Jersey side of Greenwood Lake.

In June 2019, blue-green algae blooms caused Greenwood Lake and others across New Jersey to close for recreation for much of the summer.

“Prior to the toxic algae bloom, Greenwood Lake was a popular tourist destination attracting swimmers, boaters, and fishers alike,” added Pennacchio. “This treasured natural resource feeds reservoirs that supply millions of New Jerseyans and thousands of businesses with their drinking water each day.

“I appreciate Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli, the Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, for hearing this bill and the positive support the legislation received from his fellow committee members. Senator Nellie Pou and I will continue to work together on a bipartisan basis to ensure this funding is made available to Greenwood Lake as soon as possible.”