HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. presented $1 million in federal funding to Hopatcong on Monday to support the initial phase of a project to replace lead water service lines along various borough roadways.
The funding will help the borough replace lead service lines to improve drinking water quality and reduce the risk of lead contamination, which can pose serious health risks.
“Families in our communities deserve safe and clean water and to know that their health, and the health of their children, is not at risk,” said Congressman Kean. “I was pleased to secure this federal funding to ensure that the water that members of the Hopatcong community use to wash their hands, to clean their dishes, and to drink is lead-free.”
Hopatcong Mayor Marie Galate said the investment will help the borough continue upgrading its water infrastructure.
“This $1 million investment in Hopatcong will make a tremendous difference as we continue the important work of replacing lead service lines and strengthening our water infrastructure,” said Hopatcong Mayor Marie Galate. “These improvements are about more than pipes—they are about protecting our residents, safeguarding our drinking water, and investing in the future of our community. I am extremely grateful to Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for advocating for Hopatcong and helping bring these critical federal dollars directly back to our residents.”
Assemblyman Mike Inganamort emphasized the importance of lead service line replacement for public health and the environment.
“As a member of the assembly environment committee, I think a lot about the quality of drinking water in Northwest New Jersey,” said Assemblyman Mike Inganamort. “The Hopatcong area is providing millions of gallons of drinking water to millions of New Jerseyans, and lead service line replacement is critically important for our natural environment and human health. Hopatcong, as a result of Congressman Kean’s leadership, is going to continue to be a better, stronger, healthier, more resilient community. I want to emphasize the incredible privilege it is for all of us to have someone as passionate and dedicated to New Jersey as Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., a tremendous advocate for our community.”
Sussex County Commissioner David Silverthorne said the funding will help modernize the borough’s infrastructure while protecting public health.
“This vital investment will not only modernize Hopatcong’s infrastructure but also protect public health,” said Sussex County Commissioner David Silverthorne. “These funds will help complete the initial phase of lead service line replacements, securing clean, safe drinking water for every resident. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Kean for his leadership in securing this funding, as well as Mayor Galate, the Borough Council, and the dedicated Borough employees for their untiring work to uphold and improve Hopatcong’s quality of life for its residents.”
Hopatcong Municipal Engineer John Ruschke, who has served in that role for 20 years, said the project addresses longstanding water infrastructure needs in the borough.
“Being the municipal engineer for 20 years and knowing a lot of the residents, this project really hits home for Hopatcong families,” said Hopatcong Municipal Engineer John Ruschke. “Hopatcong has been struggling for years and years to keep up with water infrastructure, and it is critical that we change the dilapidated systems currently in place and keep our residents safe and healthy. It’s great to see families benefitting directly from this federal funding, because alongside improving the infrastructure, we’re improving quality of life for Hopatcong residents.”
Since taking office, Kean has secured more than $14.5 million for water infrastructure projects in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process, according to his office.
All 15 projects Kean secured for the district through the fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding process have been signed into law, his office said.
