The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides $350 billion dollars in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments which can be utilized to invest in water infrastructure. Municipal leaders are beginning to discuss the use of American Rescue Plan funds. This is an opportunity for Coalition member organizations to urge state and local governments to prioritize investing in water infrastructure projects to meet the demands for safe, accessible water and sewer services in the face of the climate crisis.
Bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Introduced in Senate Will Be a Game Changer for At-Risk Species
CDRW Internship Experience
By: Kimberly Pelosi, Policy Intern, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Over the course of the past three months, I have had the valuable opportunity to work with the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) team as their 2021 Policy Intern. Before joining CDRW, I graduated from Rutgers University where I studied Environmental Policy, but having spent the last five years of my postgraduate life working in an entirely different field, I wondered if I would be able to acclimate to this role, or whether this experience would prove beneficial in helping me steer my career back towards the environmental world.
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.
Introducing Our New Outreach & Communications Manager of CDRW, Meagan Schaefer
Hello CDRW community!
My name is Meagan Schaefer (she/her/hers), and as of June 21, 2021, I have joined the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) team as their new Outreach & Communications Manager. I am so thrilled to be here, and you can learn a bit more about me below.
Born and raised in Audubon, New Jersey, I grew up enjoying all that the Delaware River Basin has to offer – from white water rafting on the Lehigh River to hiking the Delaware River Water Gap. I have always been drawn to nature, particularly preserving and protecting it for future generations.
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.”
Hiking Tips in our COVID World
By: Cendy Moliere
Getting outside and on the trails has served as a much-needed haven for so many during the long year we’ve all had. With more folks working from home or staying at home than ever, hiking has surged in popularity. That means in order to hike safely this summer, we must hike mindfully. While the future is certainly brighter than it was back in March 2020, COVID-19 isn’t in the rear-view mirror just yet.