Nearly 40 advocates for the Delaware River Watershed packed their bags and hit Capitol Hill on March 17, ready to make their voices heard on behalf of the river and the communities along it. Hill Day is our annual chance to meet with Members of Congress, share stories from the watershed, and push for the policies and funding that protect clean water, restore habitats, and support local communities across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
A Morning of Inspiration
The day kicked off with the Delaware River Watershed Breakfast Briefing, bringing together leaders and advocates from across the region. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), co-chair of the Delaware River Watershed Caucus, emphasized the importance of continued investment in the watershed. He was joined by Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), whose remarks inspired everyone to keep advocating for the river.
Grantees of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund also shared updates on their projects. Representatives from the Delaware Nature Society and Friends of the Upper Delaware River highlighted on-the-ground restoration work, including improving water quality, restoring habitats, and strengthening resilience in communities who live, work, and play along the river. It was a vivid reminder of how policy and funding translate into real impact.
Taking the Message to Capitol Hill
After the briefing, Coalition members headed to meetings with congressional offices from all five watershed states. These conversations focused on making the case for funding, legislation, and community impact, sharing stories about why protecting the Delaware River matters to the people who live and work along it.
Our Key Requests to Congress
Boosting funding for restoration projects: Request $17 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) to fund projects that restore streams, wetlands, and riparian habitats across the watershed.
Supporting legislation for long-term conservation: Back the reauthorization of the DRBRP through 2032, ensuring programs prioritize projects in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.
Protecting public lands and waters: Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and maintain full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, supporting projects that conserve lands, protect habitats, and expand outdoor access.
Highlighting community impact: Share stories from local projects showing how clean water, healthy habitats, and outdoor access directly benefit communities along the Delaware River.
Hill Day is always a reminder of what’s possible when communities come together. With 85 organizations signing letters in support of our appropriations request, the day showed the power of collective action and the difference we can make for the Delaware River and the communities who call it home.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in Hill Day, including our members, partners, and congressional champions. Your voices, stories, and dedication make a real difference for the Delaware River. We look forward to carrying this momentum forward throughout the year as we continue to advocate for clean water, healthy habitats, and thriving communities across the watershed.
