This bill amends the structure and responsibilities of the Lake Hopatcong Commission, which is tasked with managing and protecting the resources of Lake Hopatcong and its watershed. The bill removes the Commissioners of Community Affairs and Environmental Protection from the commission and replaces them with four public members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. Each public member will serve a two-year term. Additionally, the bill expands the commission's duties to include coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on water quantity management and requires the DEP to notify the commission of any permit applications that may impact Lake Hopatcong.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the DEP to develop a water level management plan for Lake Hopatcong, outlining objectives and guidelines for water use, drawdowns, and lakeshore construction. This plan must be approved by the commission before any adoption or revision, and any actions by the DEP that would lower the lake's water level below 8.5 feet must also receive commission approval. These changes aim to enhance the commission's authority and ensure better management of the lake's resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:4B-3, 58:4B-6, 58:4B-8