Delaware River Basin Safeguards Sought

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is leading a bipartisan effort to safeguard the Delaware River Basin with a reauthorization bill.

Fitzpatrick —who co-chairs the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus —has introduced the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan legislative effort to extend one of the most successful grant partnership programs operated by the federal government and to ensure that critical conservation efforts in one of America’s most vital watersheds continues.

“The Delaware River is one of our nation’s most invaluable natural resources—providing clean drinking water to millions, fueling a thriving outdoor economy, and supporting critical ecosystems. This bipartisan reauthorization is about ensuring our progress doesn’t stop here. By investing in local conservation projects, improving water quality, restoring habitats, and expanding outdoor access, we are delivering real, tangible results for our communities. This is not just about protecting the river—it’s about protecting livelihoods, public health, and the economic future of our region. Every federal dollar invested leverages millions more, creating good-paying jobs and securing a more resilient Delaware River Basin for generations to come,” Fitzpatrick said.

He said the reauthorization is a national priority, as the Delaware River Basin supports over 600,000 jobs and is a pillar of economic stability, public health, and environmental sustainability.

The bill previously passed the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously, demonstrating its broad bipartisan and bicameral support.

The Delaware River Basin is an economic and environmental powerhouse—supplying drinking water to over 15 million Americans, supporting a $22 billion economy, and sustaining critical ecosystems across five states.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) has delivered $72.1 million in federal grants, leveraged $100 million in additional investments, and funded nearly 250 high-impact conservation projects that protect water quality, restore habitats, and expand public access.

Key Provisions of the legislation include:

• Extending program authorization through 2032 to ensure long-term conservation and restoration efforts.
• Expanding the official definition of the Basin to include Maryland, officially recognizing its ecological and economic contributions to the watershed.
• Prioritizing projects that serve small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to federal conservation resources.

The bill has earned the endorsement of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, highlighting its significance in protecting the region’s drinking water, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation economy.