WASHINGTON – The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program has received $10 million in funding as part of the federal fiscal year 2021 Interior Appropriations bill approved by Congress and signed by the President. The previous year’s funding was $9.7 million.
The river basin program will provide technical assistance and grant funds in 2021 to address the Delaware River Basin’s environmental challenges in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Government entities, non-profit organizations, and schools in the basin can apply for funds to implement on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects.
“The program empowers organizations to tackle critical environmental issues, such as overdevelopment, stormwater runoff, flooding, stream erosion, and loss of wildlife habitat,” Sandra Meola, director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. “The increase in funding for the Delaware River Basin will allow for the continued expansion of conservation and restoration of the resources upon which people, wildlife, and our economy rely.”
The major tributaries that are part of the basin in New York are the East and West Branch of the Neversink River.
A total of 4.6 million people in New York receive water from the basin, including New York City diversion.
