U.S. House Recommends Increased Funding for Delaware River Watershed for Fourth Year
Growing federal appropriations helps protect the iconic waterway for birds and communities.
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. House Appropriations Committee released the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022 that included $12.5 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP), up from $10 million in fiscal year 2021.
"With devastating reports of extreme weather across the country, this boost in funding is necessary to prioritize natural infrastructure and solutions in this watershed so we can protect birds and communities alike from the negative impacts of climate change,” said Beth Brown, director of the Delaware River Watershed Program at the National Audubon Society. “Wetlands and riverbanks are vulnerable to climate threats like increased flooding, which affects their ability to act as natural drainage systems that improve water quality, in addition to providing habitat for wildlife.”
More than 13 million people and 400 bird species rely on the Delaware River Watershed for clean water. Recently, the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus was formed to address programs in the region focused on water quality and quantity, ecological restoration, and conservation.
“This increase in funding, along with the formation of the Delaware River Watershed Caucus, shows that the opportunity for bipartisan solutions is here. We’re eager to work with the members of the caucus to help protect this iconic watershed,” said Brown.
By comparison to neighboring waterways, the FY22 House Interior appropriations bill recommends $90.5 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program and $375 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
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The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.
Media Contact: Chandler Lennon, chandler.lennon@audubon.org, 212.979.3063