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.
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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. Since its inception, the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund has awarded 239 projects over $72.1 million and leveraged $100 million in non-federal matches, for a total conservation impact of $172.1 million.
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 - $10.5 million
Fiscal year 2023 - $11.5 million
Fiscal year 2024 - $11.5 million
Fiscal year 2025 - $11.5 million