The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee on Nov. 20 unanimously passed a bipartisan, bicameral bill supported by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that would reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) through fiscal year 2030.
“This bipartisan, bicameral effort ensures that federal funding continues to empower our state, local, and nonprofit partners in their conservation and restoration efforts,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Together, we are preserving this national treasure for future generations.”
The Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act, H.R. 1395, which Rep. Fitzpatrick sponsored in March 2023 with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), is also under consideration by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The measure is companion legislation to the same-named S. 654, also introduced in March 2023 by U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) and four of his Democratic colleagues to also increase the federal cost share of a grant project that serves a small, rural, or disadvantaged community to 90 percent of the total cost of the project. However, the federal share may be increased to 100 percent of the project’s total cost if the grant recipient is unable to pay, or would experience significant financial hardship if required to pay, the non-federal share, according to the congressional record bill summary.
The DRBRP brings together the federal government and state and local partners to meet conservation needs throughout the Delaware River watershed region. Since its enactment, the program has awarded $72.1 million and generated $100 million in matching funds for nearly 250 projects to restore and preserve the area, according to Rep. Fitzpatrick.
“The Delaware River is a lifeline for our communities in Bucks and Montgomery Counties and a treasured resource for our region,” the congressman said. “I am incredibly grateful to Chairman Westerman and the Committee on Natural Resources for moving this critical piece of legislation forward.”