WASHINGTON, D.C. — Clean water advocates from more than 180 organizations in four states recently lobbied Congress for more money to protect and restore the rivers, streams and tributaries feeding the Delaware River Watershed.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed wants increased funding for critical restoration programs, for outdoor access for all, and for wildlife conservation. Advocates came to D.C. from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware to urge their representatives to support $17 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and to channel funding into ready-to-go restoration projects.

Since 2018, the restoration program has provided $55.1 million to 195 projects, which generated $79.2 million in matching grants, for a total conservation impact of $134.3 million. But the coalition says the need for more investment is clear. Just last year, 64 projects requested $26 million but, despite the coalition’s efforts, funding in the 2024 budget was $11.5 million. The coalition says it is grateful there are no cuts but is disappointed to not see an increase when it is sorely needed.

Both wildlife and 14.2 million people depend on the Delaware watershed for clean, safe drinking water. The coalition says communities and wildlife within the basin are experiencing the impacts of climate change.

The coalition is also asking Congress to reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act through 2030. Other asks include co-sponsoring the following measures:

• The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, a bipartisan bill to help protect at-risk species with  collaborative programs;
• The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Act, which supports equitable access to outdoor recreation in urban areas; and
• The Farm System Reform Act, which includes provisions to reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality. 

“We stand at a crucial juncture, where communities within the basin and wildlife are experiencing the impacts of a shifting climate,” said Kelly Knutson, the coalition’s director. “With significant flooding events and escalating droughts, the urgency is clear to invest in programs addressing conservation issues in our region. Coalition members appreciate the opportunity to meet with their members of Congress and emphasize the incredible impacts that environmental programs have had in their own backyards.”