Kean Delivers $560,000 in Federal Funds to Mount Arlington for Memorial Pond Stormwater Dredging

(October 7, 2026) MOUNT ARLINGTON, NJ – On Monday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $560,000 to Mount Arlington Borough to address stormwater drainage in the local community. 

Mount Arlington’s Memorial Pond manages stormwater and acts as a basin before it enters Lake Hopatcong. Over time, the pond has filled up with sediment, and this federal funding will support a necessary dredging project. 

“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.”

“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.”

Mayor Stanzilis continued, “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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has secured more than $14.5 million for water infrastructure in New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process.

All 15 projects that Congressman Kean won for NJ-07 through the FY2026 Community Project Funding process are now law. View the full list of projects HERE.

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