# Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2022

This bill extends and improves a federal program that helps protect and restore the Delaware River Basin, which supplies drinking water and supports communities across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. The main changes make it easier for communities—especially smaller towns and poorer areas—to get federal money for water conservation and cleanup projects by reducing the amount of local funding they need to contribute.

Currently, communities have to pay a significant portion of the costs for conservation projects out of their own budgets, with the federal government covering the rest. This bill makes a big difference for struggling communities by allowing them to get 90 percent of project costs covered by federal funds instead of having to pay more themselves. For communities facing real financial hardship, the bill even allows the federal government to cover 100 percent of costs. This means a small rural town or a low-income neighborhood won't have to choose between fixing their water infrastructure and funding other essential services like schools or roads.

The bill also removes a restriction that previously prevented the federal government from buying land or water rights as part of conservation efforts. This gives the program more flexibility to protect important natural areas and water sources. Finally, the bill extends the program's authorization from 2023 to 2030, ensuring that funding and support for Delaware River Basin conservation projects will continue for another seven years. For people living in this region, this means ongoing investment in cleaner water, protected natural areas, and more resilient communities.

Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2022

Evans, Dwight

Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and increases the federal cost share for certain grant projects. Specifically, the bill extends the program through FY2030 and increases the federal cost share of a grant project that serves a small, rural, or disadvantaged community to 90% of the total cost of the project. However, the federal share may be increased to 100% of the project's total cost if the grant recipient is unable to pay, or would experience significant financial hardship if required to pay, the nonfederal share. The bill also repeals the prohibition on the use of program funds for the acquisition by the federal government of any interest in land.