Somerset Times

Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited Memorial Pond in Mount Arlington to assess the need for renovations before the FY25 appropriations discussion. He is seeking $560,000 in funding for data collection and analysis of sediment, surveying, engineering, regulatory requirements, and dredging of Memorial Pond. The House Appropriations Committee has already approved this funding.

"In our ongoing efforts to both protect and enhance our community’s natural resources, I am advocating for $560,000 in the FY25 appropriations to support vital renovations at Memorial Pond,” said Congressman Kean. “My recent tour and conversations with local stakeholders and leaders reinforced the importance of this funding. These resources will be used for data collection, engineering assessments, and the dredging process itself. This project is not just about maintaining a beautiful space; it's about ensuring the ecological health of our environment for future generations. By investing in Memorial Pond, we are making a commitment to the well-being of the Borough of Mount Arlington and fostering a sustainable community."

Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis commented on the project's potential benefits: “This is a fantastic project that will have a positive impact on the quality of water not only in Memorial Pond and at our town beach but in Lake Hopatcong as a whole.” He praised Congressman Kean's efforts to protect environmental quality around Lake Hopatcong.

Kyle Richter, Executive Director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, expressed gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. for visiting Lake Hopatcong and for his support of projects meant to improve the water quality of our lake, including the vital dredging of Memorial Pond in Mount Arlington.”

Congressman Kean has requested 15 projects in this year's appropriation process.