A lakeside community in Morris County is in jeopardy of losing millions this summer.

The commission that maintains Lake Hopatcong says it needs emergency state funding to keep the lake clean. During the summer season, tourists flock to the lake and bring in money to the community. The Lake Hopatcong Commission fears the lack of funding to dredge the lake will eventually force it to close the body of water to visitors.

The commission says it needs another $500,000 to keep the lake open. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says there is no further funding for this fiscal year. DEP officials add there won?t proposed funding for the next fiscal year until the governor releases the new budget.

The commission says it needs additional funding by April 1 to save the lake?s upcoming summer season.