MOUNT ARLINGTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Tuesday presented $560,000 in federal funding to Mount Arlington on Monday for a dredging project aimed at improving stormwater management at Memorial Pond and protecting the water quality of Lake Hopatcong.
Memorial Pond manages stormwater and serves as a basin before water enters Lake Hopatcong. Over time, sediment has accumulated in the pond, creating the need for dredging.
The federal funding will support engineering, environmental analysis and dredging work needed to restore the pond and improve its stormwater management capabilities.
“I am pleased to deliver this federal funding in order to protect the health and water quality of both Memorial Pond and Lake Hopatcong,” said Congressman Kean. “This $560,000 will fund a dredging project in Memorial Pond that will help ensure that Lake Hopatcong can continue being used by New Jerseyans for recreational activities.”
Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis said the funding will allow the borough to move forward with the project.
“Thanks to a $560,000 federal investment secured by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., Mount Arlington can move forward with the engineering, environmental analysis and dredging needed to restore Memorial Pond, improve stormwater management and help protect the water quality of Lake Hopatcong,” said Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis. “This funding will support the work necessary to restore the pond’s beauty and environmental health while strengthening the protection of this important regional natural resource.”
“As Mayor, protecting our environment, and particularly Lake Hopatcong, has always been a priority. Memorial Pond is a beautiful and special part of our community, and I look forward to seeing it restored for future generations. I thank Congressman Kean for recognizing the importance of this project and for his continued partnership with Mount Arlington.”
State Sen. Anthony Bucco said dredging the pond would benefit both Mount Arlington and Lake Hopatcong.
“With this money, Memorial Pond can be cleaned for the use and benefit of all residents,” said State Senator Anthony Bucco. “When this pond is cleaned and dredged, it will have a direct impact on making sure that Lake Hopatcong continues to have the quality of water that this area needs for recreation and the economy. The residents of Mount Arlington are winners today as a result of the work of Congressman Kean.”
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn also highlighted the significance of the funding for the borough.
“Congressman Kean reminds us that no project or town is too small,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn. “This was needed funding for a project that could not have otherwise happened. We thank Congressman Kean for his leadership down in Washington and for making sure they all remember how important Mount Arlington is.”
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen said the project’s effects would extend beyond Mount Arlington.
“Congressman Kean’s work to secure this grant for a small town like Mount Arlington will not only impact this park, but also everything downstream,” said Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen. “Morris County and Sussex County share Lake Hopatcong, and what is being done to improve a tiny pond and the environment of this small community, will flow downstream to improve the quality of life for an entire region.”
Kyle Richter, executive director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, said removing accumulated sediment from Memorial Pond could help improve conditions in Lake Hopatcong.
“What enters Memorial Pond doesn’t stay in Memorial Pond, eventually it all flows straight into Lake Hopatcong,” said Kyle Richter, Executive Director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. “Removing years of built-up sediment means fewer nutrients feeding harmful algal blooms, cleaner water at our beaches, and a healthier future for New Jersey’s largest lake. We’re grateful to Congressman Kean Jr. for securing the funding for this critical project and helping to protect and improve Lake Hopatcong.”
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.
