DEP: $2.5 Million Boost for Devoe Lake

The Borough of Spotswood, New Jersey, is set to receive a $2.5 million grant, administered through the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), for the Devoe Lake restoration project.

Commenting the latest announcement, Senator Linda R. Greenstein said: “This is a significant investment by the DEP in Devoe Lake. The Borough of Spotswood has sought funding for dredging the lake that will assist in the management of storm events. This is more than just an aesthetic improvement – it will benefit the surrounding areas at risk for flooding.”

“The local long-term goal of remediation and restoration of the lake and surrounding land will alleviate many concerns, including regional flooding,” added Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo. “This DEP support will go a long way toward restoring Devoe Lake to become the centerpiece of Spotswood that the community is looking to create.  Ultimately, the residents of Spotswood will greatly reap the benefits of this investment.”

“This is great news for Spotswood,” commented Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson. “Devoe Lake has been a central part of this community for generations. An opportunity to clean it up and improve its surroundings has been the long-term goal for the municipality and its residents. This funding will put Spotswood one step closer to creating the open, family-friendly environment they’d hoped for.”

Devoe Lake in Spotswood was created in 1935 after the construction of the dam on the Manalapan Brook. The shallow depth of the 38-acre lake, in addition to the accumulation of sediment, has resulted in flooding after storms.

According to the official announcement, the grant will facilitate the borough’s ability to have the lake dredged, alleviating future flooding.