Faso Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Secure Funding for Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook), along with twenty-four Representatives and Senators sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees requesting $6 million in fiscal year 2019 funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program in the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act final conference agreement. The House-passed legislation included $6 million for the program, while the Senate version only provided $4 million.
“The Upper Delaware River in New York State is a natural resource jewel and a critical economic driver for the people and communities that rely on it for their livelihood. The ecological and recreational value of this river is priceless, and it needs to be protected for future generations. The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program creates an important new opportunity for critical investments in the health of the river that will help protect public health, create jobs, and reenergize local economies,” said Jeff Skelding, Executive Director of Friends of the Upper Delaware River.
“The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program is critically important in preserving the watershed and its unique habitats, maintaining safe drinking water, and expanding recreational activities which attract visitors and help to stimulate local economies,” said Faso. “Working closely with the Friends of the Upper Delaware River, we are committed to ensuring we protect and enhance this natural treasure.”
A signed copy of the letter can be found here.
Background
- Supported the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program in FY18 obtaining the program’s first-ever funding of $5 million.
- Voted in support of H.R. 6147, the House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY19, which included $6 million for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program.
- Co-led FY19 appropriations letter requesting a funding increase for the program.
- Secured funding for the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) when it was tied up in an internal review process within the Department of the Interior.
- Introduced the Delaware River Resolution championing the environmental, economic, and community benefits of the river.