Costello, Meehan Join with Conservation Officials to Celebrate Delaware River Basin Conservation Act Becoming Law

Press Release

Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) and Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-07) joined officials from the Delaware River Basin Commission, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday to celebrate the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA) being signed into law as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Reps. Costello and Meehan helped introduce the DRBCA last Congress.

The legislation authorizes the Delaware River Basin Restoration Grant Program, which will support efforts to maintain the Basin. By forging public-private partnerships and bringing together local, state, and federal stakeholders, the program will provide matching grants to state and local governments, non-profits, higher education institutions, and other partners to perform restoration and protection activities along the Delaware River Basin.

"With the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act now signed into law, watershed and conservation organizations in Pennsylvania will be supported in continuing their important work in protecting and conserving the Basin," said Rep. Costello. "These activities are critical to our economy and to residents who receive drinking water from the Basin, as well as to the fish and wildlife who rely on the Basin."

"Millions of Americans rely on the Delaware River Basin for their drinking water, and it's a key driver of jobs and economic growth in our region," said Rep. Meehan. "Protecting the Basin is crucial for our area's continued prosperity, and enactment of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act will help us preserve it for future generations of Pennsylvania families to enjoy."

The Basin provides drinking water to over 16 million Pennsylvanians, provides a safe habitat for over 200 species, and is a critical component of the local and regional economy, as it provides over $25 billion in economic activity across four states -- including in Pennsylvania.

Reps. Costello and Meehan attended the event with Steve Tambini, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission; Michael Slattery with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Maddy Urbish, Director for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, New Jersey Audubon; and a representative from Rep. Brendan Boyle's office.

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