Supporting Investment in the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
Advocate for strong, sustained federal funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP), which reflects a shared, watershed-wide vision for conserving and restoring a connected network of lands and waters across the Delaware River Basin. Guided by a strategic framework developed with stakeholders, the Program directs investments toward four key priorities: reducing flooding and stormwater runoff; restoring fish and wildlife habitat; improving water quality; and enhancing safe, equitable public access to outdoor recreation. Continued investment in DRBRP supports locally driven solutions, delivers measurable environmental and community benefits, and strengthens the long-term health and resilience of the Delaware River Basin.
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The Program reflects a shared vision for conserving and restoring a network of lands and waters to support wildlife, and is guided by a strategic framework developed with partners to focus on conservation in four key areas: reducing flooding and runoff, restoring fish and wildlife habitats, improving water quality, and enhancing safe recreational access for the public. Learn more about DRBRP.
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Signed into law in 2016, the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 brings federal, state, and local governments together with regional partners to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration activities within the Delaware River Basin.
Authorized with the Act in 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Delaware River Basin Restoration Program takes a non-regulatory approach to landscape-scale conservation: it is voluntary, incentive driven, and builds upon existing collaboration by partners throughout the five-state watershed.
In 2018, the USFWS and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) launched the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) as the first step toward advancing the goals of the Act. The DWCF supports projects that address conservation needs today and tomorrow.
related blogs, news & Resources
CDRW Priorities: Land and Water Conservation Fund (December 21, 2021)
The DRBC: Making Connections to the Delaware River for 60 Years (November 18, 2021)
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Celebrates $11.5 Million in Grants to Improve the Health of the Delaware River Watershed (September 20, 2021)
Bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Introduced in Senate Will be a Game Changer for At-Risk Species (July 21, 2021)
Pennsylvania Shortchanges Delaware River Basin Commission Again in FY22 Budget (June 29, 2021)
New Jersey to Fully Fund Delaware River Basin Commission in 2022 Budget (June 23, 2021)
Land & Water Conservation Fund Webinar, hosted with Appalachian Mountain Club
House Passes Infrastructure Bill: Includes $26 Million for Delaware River Watershed Restoration Efforts (November 5, 2021)
Senator Carper and Governor Carney Join Conservation Organizations to Highlight Christina River Project Supported by Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (August 23, 2021)
Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill: Includes Investment in Delaware River Basin Restoration Efforts (July 29, 2021)
Biden FY22 Budget Includes Funding for the Delaware River Restoration Program (June 10, 2021)
“The Delaware River Basin is a national treasure of great cultural, environmental, and ecological importance.””