Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
President Obama signed the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA) into law as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act on December 10, 2016.
fast facts
The DRBCA created the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP).
The DRBRP is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The DRBRP develops a coordinated approach to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration, protection, and public outdoor recreation access and activities across the Basin. This coordinated approach is now known as the Delaware River Watershed Conservation Collaborative.
The DRBRP provides a competitive grant and technical assistance program known as the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund to support on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects.
The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund is facilitated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
Federal FUNDING
In March 2018, first time funding in the amount of $5 million was appropriated to the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. This represents the first time in history that federal dollars were invested into the watershed for restoration purposes. In August 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced the launch of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund. The Fund has awarded nearly $17 million to 90 restoration projects since its inception.
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed advocates for robust federal funding for the DRBRP within the annual federal appropriations process alongside bipartisan congressional leaders, along with ensuring successful implementation of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund.
Annual AppropriationS
Fiscal year 2022 - The Coalition’s collective ask is $15 million
President’s FY22 Budget proposal
President Biden’s fiscal year 2022 proposed budget includes a $10 million request for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. This marks a historic first for the Program and amplifies the immense need for investment in our region to improve water quality, resiliency, wildlife habitat, and access to outdoor recreation. The proposed $10 million mirrors the current FY21 funding level for the Program. Since the DRBRP does not have an authorized dollar amount, a proposal of $10 million represents the best case scenario! We are hopeful that the Coalition’s ongoing advocacy efforts will result in an increase for the Program in the amount of $15 million.