Bucco Fights to Save Lake Hopatcong

Workers Who Maintain Lake May Lose Their Jobs

Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) has introduced legislation to protect New Jersey's largest freshwater lake and the workers who help maintain it. His bill would create the Lake Hopatcong Commission Fund to preserve and maintain Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. Passage of the bill would help generate tourism dollars at no extra cost to taxpayers.

"Lake Hopatcong is precious resource for every New Jersey resident who values clean water, open space, recreation and wildlife habitat," Bucco said. "It's not a good time to be neglecting maintenance on a lake that generates thousands of dollars in tourism income."

Employees of Lake Hopatcong were told last week the state was firing them because it doesn't have the funding to keep them employed. That means that those workers won't be available to clear the lake of noxious weeds that hamper fishing, swimming and other recreational activities. Bucco's bill would dedicate $700, 000 of current boat registration fees to maintain the lake and keep these workers employed during this economic crisis. Governor Corzine has proposed boosting boat fees to pay for lake maintenance, a measure that would discourage recreation and reduce tourism spending resulting from lake maintenance.

"My legislation does not raise taxes or fees to preserve this recreational jewel," Bucco continued. "It would preserve jobs during a crisis, and stimulate tourism spending. Now is not the time to neglect resources that help boost the state's economy."