Lower Bucks Today

Bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has advanced in the House Committee on Natural Resources. The Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2023, also known as H.R. 1395, passed unanimously out of the committee. This act aims to extend the authorization of the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP) through 2030.

Since its initial enactment in 2016, this legislation has allocated $72.1 million and generated an additional $100 million in matching funds for nearly 250 projects aimed at restoring and preserving the Delaware River Basin watershed. The reauthorization seeks to strengthen collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to continue these restoration efforts.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed has endorsed this bill, highlighting its significance for both regional and broader environmental conservation efforts.

Chairman Bruce Westerman of the House Committee on Natural Resources commented on the importance of this legislation: "The Delaware River Basin is one of America’s most successful examples of a clean and healthy working river. Thanks to the hard work from Congressman Fitzpatrick, today we are ensuring this important resource is properly stewarded for years to come."

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick expressed his appreciation: "The Delaware River is a lifeline for our communities in Bucks and Montgomery Counties and a treasured resource for our region. I am incredibly grateful to Chairman Westerman and the Committee on Natural Resources for moving this critical piece of legislation forward today."

With unanimous support from the committee, H.R. 1395 continues to progress toward maintaining a vibrant ecosystem that supports both ecological health and economic vitality.