Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to extend a federal program dedicated to the environmental health and economic stability of the Delaware River watershed. If enacted, the bill would authorize the program to continue through 2033, ensuring a decade of continued funding for projects that improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitats, and reduce the risk of flood damage.

Beyond extending the program's timeline, the legislation proposes to officially expand the definition of the Delaware River Basin to include Maryland. This change would transition the program from a four-state to a five-state partnership, joining Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This expansion recognizes Maryland's ecological connection to the watershed and allows communities in that state to access federal conservation resources and technical assistance.

For everyday citizens, the bill focuses on practical benefits such as safeguarding drinking water for the millions of people who rely on the basin and enhancing public access to outdoor recreation. The proposal also introduces a new priority for selecting grant projects, specifically favoring those that serve small, rural, or disadvantaged communities. This shift aims to ensure that restoration and infrastructure investments reach underserved areas that may lack the resources to address environmental challenges on their own.