Feds Award Delaware River Watershed Restoration & Conservation Program $6 Million For 2019

On February 15, the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program received $6 million in federal funding as part of the fiscal year 2019 Interior Appropriations bill approved by Congress and signed by the President, a $1 million increase from last year.

The DRBRP will provide much-needed technical assistance and grant funds to address the Delaware River Basin’s environmental challenges.

This funding will support local governments, state governments, and nonprofits in NY, NJ, PA, and DE that are implementing on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects that combat critical issues like habitat degradation, invasive species, and climate change.

“The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program represents a critical investment in the future of our region. The Program provides funding required to restore habitat for fish and wildlife species, keep our watershed clean and healthy, expand recreational access, and provide job opportunities,” said Sandra Meola, Director at New Jersey Audubon and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “We are immensely grateful to Congressional champions for securing six million dollars in Delaware Basin funding for fiscal year 2019. The Program is off to a strong beginning and we look forward to seeing the second round of on-the-ground projects move forward.”

The Delaware River Basin faces threats such as overdevelopment, stormwater runoff, flooding, stream erosion, and loss of wildlife habitat. With increased federal funding, more conservation and restoration projects can begin to address these and other concerns within the basin.

The Delaware River Basin must also be protected as it provides habitat to over 400 types of birds, over 90 fish species, and many other animals. Several threatened or endangered species rely on the Delaware River Basin, such as the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, American kestrel, and the Pine Barrens tree frog.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed worked with Congressional allies on the 2016 passage of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, which created the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program.

The Program was first funded in fiscal year 2018 in the amount of $5 million and the first Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund was launched in August 2018 as a result.

"The Upper Delaware River's clean water and prime outdoor recreational opportunities support a growing and increasingly important river-based regional economy in New York State. The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program will invest funds into improving the Upper Delaware, which will safeguard the area's jobs, boost tourism, and ensure this essential resource stays healthy," said Jeff Skelding, Executive Director, Friends of the Upper Delaware River.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed also worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a framework for the DRBRP to ensure it focused on supporting projects that: conserve and restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve and maintain water quality, sustain and enhance water management and reduce flood damage, and improve recreational opportunities and public access in the Delaware River Basin.

“From the Poconos down to Philadelphia - nonprofits, state, and local governments will be able to apply for fiscal year 2019 Delaware River Basin Restoration Program funding for site-specific projects that result in cleaner water, more green space, and restored wildlife habitat,” stated Jacquelyn Bonomo, President and CEO, PennFuture. “Restoring and conserving the basin is crucial for the Keystone state, as the Delaware River and its tributaries, such as the Schuylkill and Lehigh Rivers, encompass forty-three percent of the state’s population.”

For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved, visit the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed website.