Pennacchio Urges Governor’s Swift Approval of Greenwood Lake Funding

After the closure of Greenwood Lake this summer due to a toxic algae bloom, Senator Joe Pennacchio called for Governor Murphy to immediately enact his legislation that would create and annually dedicate half-a-million dollars to the New Jersey Greenwood Lake Fund.

“I am thrilled to see our bipartisan bill to safeguard one of Passaic County’s most popular and scenic waterways clear the final legislative hurdle,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Establishing an annual, permanent state funding source goes hand-in-hand with all of our local and county efforts to protect and maintain Greenwood Lake. I urge Governor Murphy to sign this into law as soon as possible to ensure that generations of New Jerseyans can enjoy this beautiful waterway for years to come.”

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.”

Senator Pennacchio has long called for the establishment of 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.

“I appreciate Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin for hearing this bill and the positive support the legislation received from his fellow assembly 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.”