'Frustrated' LHC Doesn't Expect Lake Funding

The Lake Hopatcong Commission has gotten "frustrated" with the state over lack of communication regarding funding for the cash-strapped commission, Chairman Russell Felter said after Monday night's meeting in Hopatcong.

"We're kind of getting frustrated," said Felter, Jefferson's mayor. "We keep getting hope and no answers."

The hope to which Felter was referring came in February when the state Sentate Environmental and Energy Committee approved a bill (S-495) that help the commission fund projects aimed at preserving and cleaning the lake.

The money, which would come from state pleasure boat registration fees, would go into a newly created "Lake Hopatcong Fund."

But the bill hasn't moved since, Felter said. In fact, he said the commission is nearing the end of its funds, with just $60,000 left for the end of the year.

The commission went into executive session to discuss personnel issues near the end of Monday's meeting at the r. It was believed the commissioners discussed the possibility of laying off Administrator Donna Macalle-Holly, the commission's sole employee, due to budget constraints.

Felter, after the meeting, said he didn't expect the state to come through with funding before year's end.

"I don't think so," he said. "We're not getting answers."