On March 12th, around 50 members of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed came together in Washington, D.C. for our 12th annual Hill Day. members of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed came together in Washington, D.C. for our 12th annual Hill Day. Each year Delaware River watershed stakeholders join together to educate Members of Congress on the issues that are impacting the Delaware. Our members’ and partners’ voices are essential in helping Members understand the importance of restoring and protecting the Delaware. This year, our teams met with Members of Congress and their staff to talk about the policies and funding that help create jobs, open areas for outdoor recreation, and ensure healthy water and habitat in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill addressing Hill Day participants
The day started with the Delaware River Watershed Breakfast Briefing, where key Congressional leaders spoke. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), who co-chairs the Delaware River Watershed Caucus, opened the morning by emphasizing the importance of continued investment in the watershed. She was joined by Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) and Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01). During the briefing, grantees of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, a program of the US Fish & Wildlife Service that has bought tens of millions of dollars to the watershed annually, shared their work. Representatives from the Appalachian Mountain Club, Ducks Unlimited, Lake Hopatcong Foundation, New Jersey Audubon, and American Rivers, highlighted projects that are helping to restore habitat, improve water quality, and strengthen resilience throughout the watershed.
After the briefing, Coalition members met with congressional offices representing communities throughout all five states of the watershed. These conversations centered on a set of key asks, from boosting funding for restoration to backing legislation that supports long-term conservation goals. Hill Day serves as a reminder of what’s possible when we come together to advocate for something bigger than ourselves. This year was no different, and we’re thankful to everyone who took part in making it a success.
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Requests
support an increase for The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program to $17 million in FY26.
Established through the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act and run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) is built on partnerships. The heart of this effort is the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), a grant program that supports targeted, science-based restoration work across the region. Since its launch in 2018, the program has:
• Funded 239 projects
• Awarded $72.1 million in federal grants
• Brought in an additional $100 million in non-federal matching funds
• Created 268 jobs across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland
These investments are producing results, improving access to rivers and trails, restoring natural habitats, and helping to build a more resilient watershed.
In 2024, the fund saw unprecedented demand, receiving 72 proposals that totaled over $30 million in requests. That’s a clear sign that communities are ready to act. That’s why we’re calling on Congress to increase DRBRP funding to $17 million in Fiscal Year 2026.
This additional support will help advance projects, create jobs, and safeguard clean water and natural spaces for the long haul.
Legislative Requests
Advance Legislation to Reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (H.R.1304)
Introduced in the House by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), reauthorizing this critical federal program would reaffirm the nationally and historically significant value of the Delaware River Watershed and the need for continued investment in its protection and restoration.
The legislation is also cosponsored by Reps. Evans (D-PA), Sherrill (D-NJ), Boyle (D-PA), Dean (D-PA), Gottheimer (D-NJ), Houlahan (D-PA), Kean (R-NJ), McBride (D-DE), Norcross (D-NJ), Riley (D-NY), Scanlon (D-PA), Van Drew (R-NJ), Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Conaway (D-NJ).
Reauthorization would extend the program’s authority through 2032 and maintain the current structure requiring a 1:1 non-federal match for grant recipients.
This program has a proven track record of success, and continuing it will provide much-needed stability for the long-term conservation work happening throughout the basin. We encourage all Members of Congress to support H.R. 1304 and ensure that the Delaware River Basin
We’re incredibly thankful to the Coalition member organizations, Members of Congress, staffers, and constituents who made this year’s Hill Day possible. It was meaningful to be back in Washington, D.C., standing together to elevate the Coalitions priorities. Every meeting and conversation brought us one step closer to a stronger, more resilient Delaware River Watershed.