Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Co-Chair of the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus, and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-3), 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 critical conservation efforts in one of America’s most vital watersheds continues.

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.

“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,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Delaware River Watershed Caucus.

“I’m pleased that we have bipartisan support for the urgently needed reauthorization of the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. I believe last year’s unanimous approval from the House Natural Resources Committee is a positive sign. This program matters because it provides valuable support, through technical and grant assistance, to restoration and protection activities throughout the Delaware River Basin, a vital watershed covering over 13,000 square miles in four states and reaching 15 million people,” said Rep. Evans (PA-3).

“As the Co-Chair of the Delaware River Watershed Caucus, I am excited to help introduce the bipartisan Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act. This important legislation will help us bring back our federal tax dollars to invest in a critical environmental and economic resource that helps us prevent flooding, protects our air and water quality, and brings tourism to the Garden State,” said Rep. Sherrill (NJ-11).

Key Provisions of the legislation:

• 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.

"Passing the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 will ensure that hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists enjoy cleaner water, healthier habitats, and more abundant fish and wildlife, building on the progress we’ve made since its enactment in 2016,” said Mark Zakutansky, Steering Committee Co-Chair for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and Director of Conservation Policy Engagement, Appalachian Mountain Club. "This bipartisan bill invests in local projects that improve water quality, restore ecosystems, expand outdoor access, and create good jobs while leveraging millions in additional funding. We commend Rep. Fitzpatrick’s leadership and look forward to working with Congress and our 192 member organizations to keep conservation efforts moving forward across the watershed."

This 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.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Background:

The Delaware River Basin is one of America’s most important watersheds, spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and Maryland. It provides drinking water, economic opportunity, and irreplaceable ecosystems that impact millions of people.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus, Congressman Fitzpatrick has been a leading voice in securing federal investments for environmental conservation, clean water, and infrastructure resiliency. This bill builds upon his longstanding commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources and ensuring communities have the support they need to thrive.

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