(Harrisburg, PA) - July 11, 2022 - Governor Tom Wolf signed Pennsylvania’s 2023 budget into law on Friday, notably falling short of the Commonwealth’s commitment to fully fund the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). Despite the Governor’s initial budget proposal to fully fund the DRBC with more than the $893,000 that the Commonwealth agreed to, negotiations cut funding to $217,000, the same level that Pennsylvania has been funding the Commission at since 2014.
New Jersey to Fully Fund Delaware River Basin Commission in 2023 Budget
The DRBC: Making Connections to the Delaware River for 60 Years
By Kate Schmidt, Communications Specialist for the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC)
We’re all in this together.
While this phrase certainly has taken on new meaning recently, I wonder if President Kennedy was thinking something similar 60 years ago when he hosted the four Basin state governors and others in the White House for a ceremonial signing of the Delaware River Basin Compact on November 2, 1961. The Compact, which created the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), granted broad basin management authorities to the Commission, including the establishment of water quality standards and regulation of discharges.
Pennsylvania Shortchanges Delaware River Basin Commission Again in FY22 Budget
Governor Wolf signed the Commonwealth’s 2022 budget into law, providing less than 25% of Pennsylvania’s agreed upon contribution to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). This is concerning considering that more than 43% of Pennsylvanians reside in the Basin, and that the Commonwealth comprises more than 50% of the Basin’s land area.
New Jersey to Fully Fund Delaware River Basin Commission in 2022 Budget
Biden FY22 Budget Includes Funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
(TRENTON, NJ) - President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget includes a proposed $10 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. In response, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Director, Sandra Meola, issued the following statement:
“The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is thrilled that the President’s fiscal year 2022 proposed budget includes a $10 million request for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. This inclusion in a President’s budget is a historic first for the Program and amplifies the immense need for investment in our region to improve water quality, resiliency, wildlife habitat, and access to outdoor recreation.”