(TRENTON, NJ) July 12, 2023 - New Jersey's fiscal year 2024 budget reaffirms its strong support for the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), as the state honors its full "fair share" commitment of $893,000.
Coalition Priority: North American Wetlands Conservation Act
In 1989, Congress directed the Department of the Interior to compare the estimated total number of wetland acres in the 1780s [Revolutionary Wartime] and in the 1980s in areas that now comprise each state. This request included an estimated percentage of wetlands loss to be calculated in each state during this 200-year period. To their dismay, a 53-percent loss of historical wetlands was estimated to have occurred over just two centuries.
House Passes Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
In a 231-190 vote on June 14, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA).
This legislation will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to proactive, locally-led efforts to recover thousands of at-risk wildlife species, while creating jobs and prioritizing the outdoor recreation economy at a time when our country and planet are facing a biodiversity crisis.
CDRW Priorities: The Urban Waters Federal Partnership
By: Erica J. Rossetti (she/her), Urban Waters Coordinator, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
Many of our cities and developed areas across the United States face similar issues affecting the health of humans, habitats, and communities: pollution, flooding and erosion, disconnection from waterways and nature, environmental injustices, housing and economic disparities, and the brunt of climate change impacts. To combat such sweeping issues, it is crucial to center the voices of those impacted, empower communities, and prioritize the revitalization of our urban environments.
CDRW Priorities: Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Coalition is excited to highlight many of our ongoing priorities with a new series of guest blogs. We hope this will serve as an educational resource that will encourage our members, prospective members, and the public at-large to advocate for Delaware River Watershed priorities in the coming year. We are kicking-off the series with a guest blog highlighting the amazing work of the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Appalachian Mountain Club.
American Rescue Plan Funds - An Opportunity for Historical Water Infrastructure Investment
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
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.”