Bucks County, PA - U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Antonio Delgado (D-NY) have announced the formation of the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus. This bipartisan caucus will give voice to funding and conservation needs throughout the watershed.
“I have long advocated for more federal funding for the Delaware River Watershed to improve the lives of our communities and our natural habitats. The onus is on us to invest in conservation, and American innovation is our best chance to improve environmental policies, encourage stewardship, and grow the economy here in our Basin,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I’m honored to co-chair this bipartisan caucus with Congressman Delgado and look forward to diligently working to advance bipartisan coordination on marquee conservation programs throughout the Delaware River Watershed.”
“The Upper Delaware River is more than beautiful scenery -- it's an economic driver for our communities,” said Rep. Delgado. “In New York's 19th Congressional District, the river generates more than $400 million in economic value every single year. I am proud to launch the bipartisan Delaware River Watershed Caucus alongside Representative Fitzpatrick. This caucus will bring together members from both sides of the aisle to advocate for our communities and secure federal funding to protect these precious waters.”
“A Delaware River Watershed Caucus marks a hopeful chapter for a watershed that is home to more than 400 bird species, and begins to recognize its importance as an iconic watershed on par with the likes of the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes,” said Beth Brown, director of Audubon’s Delaware River Watershed Program. “With bipartisan leadership from Representatives Delgado and Fitzpatrick, it signals a promising future for increased funding and efforts to protect the water and land that birds and we all need for a healthy and prospering ecosystem, community and economy.”
The Delaware River Basin generates $25 billion in annual economic activity and contributes $21 billion worth of ecosystem goods and services each year. The watershed touches 23 congressional districts across four states.
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