Wilmington, DE (August 20, 2021) – U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Delaware Governor John Carney joined conservation partners in Wilmington today to celebrate the Christiana and Brandywine River restoration and resiliency project funded by the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund. Another important step in the on-going work to improve Wilmington’s riverfront area with clean healthy rivers and attractive places for people and wildlife.
Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill: Includes Investments in Delaware River Basin Restoration Efforts
(TRENTON) - In a 69-30 vote, the U.S. Senate has passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Various ecosystem restoration programs are listed in the bill, including $26 million of supplemental funding for the Delaware River Basin to be administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service over five years.
American Rescue Plan Funds - An Opportunity for Historical Water Infrastructure Investment
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides $350 billion dollars in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments which can be utilized to invest in water infrastructure. Municipal leaders are beginning to discuss the use of American Rescue Plan funds. This is an opportunity for Coalition member organizations to urge state and local governments to prioritize investing in water infrastructure projects to meet the demands for safe, accessible water and sewer services in the face of the climate crisis.
Biden FY22 Budget Includes Funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
(TRENTON, NJ) - President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget includes a proposed $10 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. In response, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Director, Sandra Meola, issued the following statement:
“The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is thrilled that the President’s fiscal year 2022 proposed budget includes a $10 million request for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. This inclusion in a President’s budget is 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.”
Focusing on Federal Clean Water Advocacy During Hill Week 2021
Every year the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed heads to Washington D.C. to educate Members of Congress about key policy and funding priorities that support conservation and restoration in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. While COVID-19 restricted travel to the Capitol this year, the Coalition adapted and transformed Hill Day into a virtual Hill Week. During the second week of March 2021, 71 participants from Coalition member organizations, including 12 constituents, took part in the virtual Hill Week. These participants met with 31 out of 32 congressional offices that represent the watershed.
Biden, Harris Inauguration Day: What’s Expected for Conservation Policy
We were outraged that the promise of a fresh new year was tainted so quickly by the violent and shameful attacks in Washington. And yes, the attack was fueled by white supremacy and racism and incited by President Trump. Following the attack the Coalition’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Workgroup met and provided space for members to express their feelings from the day prior. This space to acknowledge the pain and frustration from the attack was vital for validating the emotions that workgroup members were holding with them during the work day.
Federal 2021 Budget Includes $10 Million for Delaware River Conservation
The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) received $10 million in funding as part of the fiscal year 2021 Interior Appropriations bill approved by Congress and signed by the President, a modest increase from $9.7 million last year. The DRBRP will provide technical assistance and grant funds in 2021 to address the Delaware River Basin’s environmental challenges in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Early next year, government entities, non-profit organizations, and schools within the basin can apply for funds to implement on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects.
Imagine a #DayWithoutTheDelaware
Organizations within the Delaware River Basin come together every year on October 18 for a social media day of action around the Clean Water Act anniversary in order to raise awareness about the essential resources the river provides. The Clean Water Act is the nation’s foremost law for protecting the irreplaceable life-giving resource of clean, accessible water. The Act’s pollution control programs and surface water protections helped to ensure that we don’t have to go a day without the water, the wildlife, or the habitat of the Delaware River Basin.