New York State Enacts Historic New Funding for the Upper Delaware River
April 9, 2022
New York State Enacts Historic New Funding for the Upper Delaware River
New state funds will help mitigate flooding, protect the wild trout fishery, and maintain high water quality
Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) and our conservation partners achieved an historic victory this week when NY Governor Kathy Hochul and the NY State Legislature approved a new $300,000 line item in the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for the Upper Delaware River (UDR).
The EPF is part of the FY 2023 New York State budget and authorizes FUDR to implement a UDR watershed restoration and protection plan, linked to the federal Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP), that will fund on-the-ground watershed projects for multiple economic and environmental benefits.
This accomplishment is the culmination of a three year campaign led by FUDR, the New York League of Conservation Voters, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon NY, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Trout Unlimited, the Upper Delaware River Tailwaters Coalition, and the Alliance for the Upper Delaware River Watershed.
The enactment of EPF funding for the Upper Delaware River sets the stage for the creation of a comprehensive watershed management program and a source of sustainable future funding to ensure the long-term protection and restoration of the watershed.
Funding from New York State will help support watershed restoration projects that protect the unique UDR wild trout fishery, mitigate the harmful impacts of flooding, ensure healthy aquatic habitat, curb the spread of invasive species, maintain high water quality, enhance recreational opportunities, and strengthen local economies through job creation and tourism revenue.
Since 2018, FUDR and Trout Unlimited, in partnership with government agencies, local businesses, and non-profit organizations, have secured more than $4 million in federal funding from the DRBRP to initiate watershed restoration projects in the UDR watershed. This new state EPF funding will complement the federal investment and help leverage additional funding for watershed restoration efforts in the Upper Delaware region.
We extend a heartfelt and resounding ‘thank you and job well done’ to NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and her staff who led the charge in the legislature and expertly navigated the state budget process. We also express our appreciation to NYS Senator Mike Martucci who offered a steady voice in support of UDR state funding and helped highlight how the river can benefit from bipartisan leadership. We couldn’t have done it without these two river champions representing our interests in Albany.
Enactment of the EPF line item marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Upper Delaware River and there is much more work ahead. Thank you for your support in helping us achieve this historic funding!