Audubon PA Applauds U.S. Congress For $9.7 Million In Funding For Delaware River Watershed Restoration

With the passage of the federal Interior Appropriations bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congress is now poised to pass $9.7 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program for fiscal year 2020 – an increase of $3.7 million from fiscal year 2019 – with bipartisan support.

“We look forward to working with our federal, state and local governments and partners to ensure the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program continues to lead the way in protecting and restoring our founding waters,” said Greg Goldman, executive director of Audubon Pennsylvania. “This program will help reverse wildlife declines, improve water quality and enhance economic conditions right here in our communities by expanding healthy recreational access and providing job opportunities.”

“We commend the bipartisan delegation for demonstrating their commitment to protecting this critical natural resource,” said Beth Brown, director of the Delaware River Watershed Program at Audubon Pennsylvania. “The Delaware River Watershed provides key habitat for iconic birds as varied as the Red Knot, Wood Thrush and American Black Duck. When habitats improve for birds and wildlife, people also benefit with more flood-resilient communities, better water quality and reduced stormwater.”

“Funding at this level will allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to accelerate conservation efforts in the watershed, by bringing federal, state and local governments together with nonprofit organizations to prioritize and implement much-needed restoration projects,” said Ana Paula Tavares, executive director of Audubon New York. 

Audubon Pennsylvania & Audubon New York work to improve conditions for birds and people in the Delaware River Watershed through on-the-ground conservation, advocacy and watershed education. 

Audubon is an active member of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and works with partners to drive impactful conservation efforts and advocate for bipartisan conservation measures at all levels of government.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Audubon Pennsylvania website.

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[Posted: December 18, 2019] www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com