Groups Call for Continued Federal and State Commitments to UDR Restoration and Protection
August 1, 2023 Highland, NY – A broad cross section of Upper Delaware River conservation leaders gathered at the refurbished Highland Access boat ramp on State Route 97 to highlight how federal and state funding programs are helping ensure the future protection and restoration of the Delaware watershed in New York.
“The Upper Delaware River has an exciting new story to tell about these federal and state funding resources,” said Jeff Skelding, Executive Director of Friends of the Upper Delaware River. “Years of coalition building, public outreach and policy advocacy efforts are starting to pay off, and we need to keep up the momentum.”
U.S. Congressman Marc Molinaro and NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther joined with other elected officials, government agencies, conservation organizations, outdoor recreational interests, and engaged citizens to emphasize the importance of Congress reauthorizing the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (H.R. 1395/S.654) and to appropriate $13.5 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) this year.
“The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act unlocked tremendous federal resources, and with it, the full potential of the Delaware River Basin. We now have the ability to undertake impactful initiatives to improve water quality, climate resiliency, flood mitigation, wildlife protection, and build projects like this boat launch to support recreational activities. While today is a celebration of this progress, it’s also a recognition that there’s more to do. We must reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act to ensure this natural treasure is here long into the future, and I’m proud to be advocating in Congress to get this done,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19).
Since 2018, the DRBRP has awarded over $4 million in grants in the New York portion of the Delaware River watershed to support dozens of projects that improve water quality and wildlife habitat, strengthen climate resiliency and flood mitigation, and enhance river related recreational opportunities.
“We thank Congressman Molinaro, Assemblywomen Gunther, and Governor Hochul for their commitment to the Upper Delaware River by leading the way in providing state investments that compliment federal restoration efforts,” said Kelly Knutson, director for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “As a crucial headwater region, the Upper Delaware River directly influences the water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability downstream. The New York state funding can be leveraged as match for DRBRP projects, expanding access to resources for projects in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.”
River advocates also stressed the importance of a continued commitment from the New York General Assembly and the Governor’s office for Upper Delaware River conservation funding. Beginning in 2022, a new line item in the New York State budget has provided $650,000 in watershed planning and on-the-ground project funding.
“I am so proud to have fought for this funding in the New York State budget. These types of river protection projects ensure that our greatest natural resources are available for people to enjoy for generations to come. I want to thank everyone at FUDR and all the Delaware River advocates for their tireless dedication,” said NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.
“We have worked hard over the last several years to increase federal and state funding for the Upper Delaware River region to enhance access, opportunities, habitat, and water quality,” said Emily Baldauff, Trout Unlimited’s Mid-Atlantic Policy Program Manager. “This work could not have been accomplished without the partnerships and support of community members, invested non-profits, and dedicated legislators. Trout Unlimited looks forward to our continued on the ground work in this region.”
“The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is proud to cosponsor the Day on the Delaware. We join so many dedicated partners in looking forward to this event and are absolutely thrilled to see federal and state investments supporting river recreation and conservation of this critical resource,” said Angela Swatek, Senior Director of Development.
For a list of projects funded by the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program go here: Delaware River Basin Restoration | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov).
For more information, contact Jeff Skelding, skelding@fudr.org 410-245-8021