Kelly announces $295,600 in federal aid for Greenwood Lake

Money will be used to begin restoration work GREENWOOD LAKE - U.S. Reps. Sue Kelly and Scott Garrett presented the bi-state Greenwood Lake Commission with a check for $295,600 Wednesday, prior to touring the lake and meeting with local officials and community leaders to discuss additional future needs for the restoration process. The federal funding was secured through an Interior Appropriations bill that has passed Congress and been signed into law, and the money goes directly to the Greenwood Lake Commission. This provides the Commission the flexibility to decide how best to use the money and where it is most needed at the lake to begin the restoration process. “Greenwood Lake is an important recreational area for both residents and visitors, and it also is an important source of drinking water,” said Kelly, the Republican from Katonah who represents that New York portion of the area. “The funding we are presenting today is not a cure-all, but it is a significant step forward to fully restore the environmental health of the lake in both New York and New Jersey.” Garrett, the Republican from Wantage Township who represents the New Jersey side of the lake, added: “The funds today, let’s be clear, are not a panacea to the problem. But they are a step in the right direction to addressing the problem. Sue Kelly came to me on the House floor three years ago - one of the very first times I was on the House floor - and she said: ‘There is an issue I want to work with you on, and it’s up in Greenwood Lake.’” Ella Filippone, New Jersey chair of the Greenwood Lake Commission, said that part of the money is going to be used for a conceptual engineering design on dredging. The other portion is going to be used to put together an action plan to deal with contamination. “This money is going to be used to set the stage for what comes next,” Filippone said. “We are so pleased that Scott Garrett and Sue Kelly are here today recognizing the needs of Greenwood Lake.” Steve DeFeo, New York chair of the Greenwood Lake Commission, reiterated that much work lies ahead in the restoration process. “I’ve been involved in the restoration of Greenwood Lake for over 20 years,” DeFeo said. “I thank everyone for getting the legislation passed, and we’re going to need more legislative powers. This is just the tip of the iceberg on what we’re going to need ... 2.3 million people get their drinking water from Greenwood Lake.” Greenwood Lake is located in Orange County, N.Y., and Passaic County, N.J. It is 1,920 acres in size, 9.6 miles long, 1.2 miles wide and the watershed is 37 square miles, exclusive of the lake.