New Jersey's $10 Million Public Lakes Clean Up and Improvement Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner LaTourette kicked off Earth Week by encouraging local leaders, lake commissioners, and non-profits to submit applications to fund projects that enhance recreation and lake stewardship.

The $10 million lakes management grants program will fund projects to mitigate stormwater and runoff pollution, improving recreation or conservation at public lakes throughout New Jersey.

Local governments, lake commissions, nonprofit organizations and other entities established to manage publicly accessible bodies of water are eligible for funding. Applications are due by Saturday, May 28, 2022.

The funding announcement kicks off Earth Week (4/17-4/23), which this year has a global theme of Invest in Our Planet.

Projects eligible for funding will address stormwater management, nonprofit source pollution and related infrastructure needs at public lakes while maintaining, improving, or enhancing recreation or conservation activities.

“Investments such as rain gardens or stormwater improvements to restore and protect natural resources in our watersheds help protect communities from damaging storms, reduce the impacts of climate change that are favorable to harmful algal blooms and improve water quality,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “I encourage all local leaders and organizations in northeastern New Jersey and in the Delaware River Watershed to apply for this grant funding so we help enhance their natural resources and environmental infrastructure.”

Stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution can endanger the water quality of lakes. Increased runoff due to climate change carries excessive nutrients and impacts water temperature, which can harm the ecosystem and contribute to persistent harmful algal blooms.

These environmental issues can also endanger recreational activities, as well as conservation ventures, and potentially have devastating impacts on the local economy of lake communities if critical summer revenue is lost.

Funding applications and project proposals must be submitted by May 28 to the DEPs Water Quality Restoration Grants Program.

Projects eligible for grant funding include:

• Development and/or implementation of Lake Watershed Protection Plans, including updates to existing approved plans statewide.
• Development and implementation of individual lake stormwater/non-point source pollution plans.
• Use of green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in communities with aging combined wastewater-stormwater infrastructure.
• Projects that improve existing stormwater management infrastructure.
• Projects that restore or improve the water quality function of stream and waterbody riparian zones and/or wetland buffers.
• Watershed and lake management activities designed to improve lake water quality and maintain recreational and conservation uses of the qualifying lake.
• Lakes with existing Lake Commissions for lake management activities that will improve water quality and maintain recreational and conservation uses at the waterbody.

“This announcement is welcome news to the residents, businesses and vacationers who rely and depend on New Jersey’s public lakes,” said Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho. “Moving forward on crucial projects to mitigate stormwater runoff and pollution will help preserve the health of our lakes, the safety of the waters, and the economic stability of businesses dependent on water-related tourism revenue.”

“This is an investment in preventing algae blooms that have impacted Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake and other waters in the state,” said Senator Pennacchio. “These grants will help prevent conditions that encourage the growth of algae and strengthen the monitoring of water conditions so these important environmental assets are protected. There is more to be done, but this is a significant development in preserving our lakes for the future.”

“Stormwater runoff has contributed to significant problems in the states two most important destinations for summer recreation in northern New Jersey -- Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake.” said Senator Bucco. “These DEP grants are a step toward mitigating the flow of polluted water into the lakes that contributes to the unchecked weed growth and dangerous algal blooms that have harmed the crucial summer seasons in recent years. This is an investment in the health of our lakes and the economies of our lake communities.”

Grants are made possible with funds provided under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Proposals for Lakes Stormwater Management Grants must be submitted electronically using the DEP’s System for Administering Grants Electronically (NJDEP SAGE).

Registered users will log on and the listing for this RFP will be under “View Available Opportunities” Lakes Management 2022.

For more information, call Larry Torok, Bureau of Watershed Management, Restoration Unit, at (609) 984-0921.

View the Request for Proposal, including requirements for proposal submissions, and for more information about New Jersey's Water Quality Restoration Grants Program.

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