Lawmakers Move To Reauthorize Delaware River Basin Conservation Act

WASHINGTON, DC — A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that would reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act allowing federal, state and local governments to collaborate on restoration projects.

Since being signed in 2016, the legislation has funded 149 projects with $40.4 million.

The legislation, introduced by Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA) and a bipartisan group of members, is endorsed by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) who has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

“The Delaware River is a crucial natural resource for our communities in Bucks and Montgomery counties and for Pennsylvania’s neighbors," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "I am proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure that federal funding continues to reach our state, local, and non-profit partners engaging in conservation and restoration efforts throughout the Delaware River Watershed area."

Added Congressman Evans, "I’m pleased that we again have bipartisan support for reauthorizing the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. This program provides valuable support, through technical and grant assistance, to restoration and protection activities throughout the
Delaware River Basin, a vital watershed covering over 13,000 square miles in four states and reaching 15 million people.”

Kelly Knutson, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed director commended Representative Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing the reauthorization act, which she said would support the Basin through critical funding, bolstering the ability to protect and preserve this beloved natural resource for years to come.

“Reauthorization of this critical and well-established federal program would continue to affirm the nationally and historically significant Delaware River Watershed as a resource worth protecting. In order to fully realize the benefits of the Act and help ensure a healthy watershed for generations to come, we must provide continued support to the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and reauthorize the Program before the Act lapses in September 2023."

Senator Tom Carper, who chairs the Environmental and Public Works Committee in the Senate, said the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act has been a "tremendous success story" in bringing all levels of government together with community partners to restore and protect vital wetlands, habitats, and waterways.

“My hope is that we can build on this track record by reauthorizing this legislation and expanding the tools at our disposal to be better stewards of the Delaware River Basin," said Carper. "Enacting our bill would benefit our environment and economy by cleaning up an important source of drinking water, protecting wildlife in the watershed, and providing a boost to local tourism.”

Read the text of the legislation HERE.