Coalition Urges Feds to Let Needed Funding Flow Again for River Basin Panel

WHYY News | January 13, 2015 | Energy & Environment, Planning

Delaware River Basin Commission has received government’s 20% funding obligation only once since 1996

Federal funding pretty much dried up nearly 20 years ago. But the Delaware River Basin Commission needs that money more than ever.

That’s why a coalition of conservation and sporting groups is urging the federal government to restore funding to commission in the next budget cycle.

The U.S. government has met its 20 percent funding obligation for the DRBC only once since the 1996-1997 fiscal year.

The DRBC manages drinking water flow for more than 15 million people in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. It is funded by each of the four member states, as well as permit fees, fines, and grants.

But funding shortfalls have led to staff reductions and delays in long-overdue work, such as a study of the effect of climate change on regional water supplies.
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