Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Funding Advances in House
Appropriations

TRENTON – July 19, 2017 – Late last night, the Delaware River Basin
Restoration Program cleared its first funding hurdle with approval by
the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations. This is an important step
in the federal budgeting process that will allow money to flow to
on-the-ground restoration projects throughout the Delaware River
Watershed.

“We’re thrilled to see Congress prioritize this type of non-regulatory
program that supports local conservation efforts,” said Maddy Urbish,
Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed at New
Jersey Audubon. “It is a testament to the bipartisan support for
protecting and restoring the natural resources of our region that
provide clean, reliable water for people, businesses, and fish and
wildlife.”

The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program was established last year
following passage of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act. The
non-regulatory program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) will identify, prioritize, and implement conservation
projects throughout the watershed while supporting these efforts
through technical assistance and grants.

“This type of federal investment and coordinated approach will go far
to strengthen existing conservation and restoration work in the region
to create the greatest benefits for the fish, wildlife, and people,”
said Kelly Mooij, VP of Government Relations, New Jersey Audubon.
“Without funding, USFWS cannot carry out the program as intended by
the legislation including critical support for local governments and
nonprofits.”

The House Appropriations bill approved $5 million for fiscal year
2018, which begins on October 1, 2017. If passed, at least 75 percent
of the funds will go directly to the grant program to support
on-the-ground projects like New Jersey Audubon’s recent reforestation
effort at Wattles Stewardship Center and Merrill Creek Reservoir where
staff and NJ Youth Corps planted over 4,000 seedlings to create
habitat for wildlife and improve water quality.

Next, the bill will go before the full House of Representatives for a
vote. Then the same process must be completed in the Senate before the
legislation can be passed by Congress and signed into law by the
President. New Jersey Audubon will continue to lead efforts to
advocate for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program through the
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.

About New Jersey Audubon

New Jersey Audubon is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide
membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest
independent Audubon’s, New Jersey Audubon is working to make New
Jersey a better place for people and wildlife. New Jersey Audubon
fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New
Jersey’s citizens; protects New Jersey’s birds, mammals, other
animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and
promotes preservation of New Jersey’s valuable natural habitats. For
more information, visitwww.njaudubon.org
Contacts:

Kelly Mooij 732-539-1693

Maddy Urbish 215-796-1666