Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Includes $26 Million More For Delaware River Watershed Restoration Efforts Over 5 Years

The bipartisan Infrastructure bill passed by the U.S. House on November 5 and now on President Biden’s desk includes an additional $26 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Fund over the next five years.

The funding supports on-the-ground restoration projects and new and existing jobs across the 4-state watershed (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware) through the DRBRP. 

Projects will enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality to support wildlife and drinking water for people, enhance water management for flood damage mitigation, and improve recreational opportunities for public access. 

Amid the growing threats of sea level rise, a creeping salt line, frequent flooding, habitat loss, and polluted stormwater runoff, this investment is desperately needed.     

“We applaud the Congressional champions who supported the inclusion of $26 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program in the infrastructure package. This program represents a critical investment in the land and water resources of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware,” said Kelly Knutson, Interim Director, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “The program empowers organizations to tackle critical environmental issues and investments in infrastructure, such as stormwater runoff, flooding mitigation, and other climate resilience projects. The increase in funding for the Delaware River Basin will allow for the continued expansion of conservation and restoration of the resources upon which people, wildlife, and our economy rely.”

"Federal funding for public infrastructure improvements in the Upper Delaware River region is of paramount importance to all watershed stakeholders,” said Jeff Skelding, Executive Director of Friends of the Upper Delaware River. “These projects create jobs, mitigate flooding, protect water quality, restore aquatic habitat, and enhance river based recreational opportunities that fuel a burgeoning tourism economy. Congressional approval of bipartisan infrastructure legislation means everybody wins in the Upper Delaware River watershed."

"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed today by the House of Representatives will deliver the kind of bold, ambitious action we need to meet the many challenges of this moment,” said Ezra Thrush, Senior Director of Government Affairs, PennFuture. “This legislation will result in the single largest investment in clean drinking water in American history, including $55 million to update old infrastructure and replace lead service lines, and $26 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. Funding clean water isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Communities across the nation cannot thrive without access to clean drinking water, and investments in updating old and antiquated infrastructure will not only put people to work in well-paying jobs, but it will have a direct and measurable impact on the health of our residents. PennFuture thanks each of our elected officials in Congress who helped pass this critical and badly-needed legislation, as well as President Biden for taking seriously the need to urgently combat the climate crisis through historic public investments. We look forward to seeing all of the positive change that will be realized as this bill transforms from words on paper into real, meaningful action for our residents and our environment.”

Additional Funding

The Coalition is thrilled that the Delaware River Basin continues to be federally recognized and deserving of robust investment. The bill also includes: 

-- $132 million for the National Estuary Program over five years. The Delaware Estuary Program would receive additional funding to support implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan that was revised in 2019.

-- Supplemental funding for 5 years for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

-- Clean Water SRF - FY22 $1.902 billion; FY23 $2.202 billion; FY24 $2.403 billion; FY25&26 $2.603 billion

-- Drinking Water SRF - FY22 $1.902 billion; FY23 $2.202 billion; FY24 $2.403 billion; FY25&26 $2.603 billion

The Coalition is looking forward to working with every member of Congress representing the watershed to support this historic investment in our clean water future. 

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

Related Article:

-- U.S. House Sends Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill To Biden’s Desk, Includes Largest-Ever Investment In Cleaning Up Abandoned Coal Mines - PA’s #1 Water Pollution Problem  [Pennsylvanians worked 5 years to get this done.] 

[Posted: November 8, 2021]  PA Environment Digest