SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $13 MILLION IN FED FUNDS FOR DELAWARE RIVER WATERSHED CONSERVATION

Funding Will Support Agriculture, Soil, Water Conservation & Assist Local Farmers

Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $13 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is headed to New York State to partner with the America Farmland Trust to implement conservation projects in the Delaware River Basin watershed. The funding was allocated through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and will allow New York State to leverage federal funds to improve the Delaware River Basin’s water quality, support wildlife habitat and enhance the environment. Schumer and Gillibrand said these conservation projects will define and address water quality and quantity concerns as well as provide access to conservation best practices for the more than 600 farmers and 600 forest landowners on 35,000 acres in this important region.

“The Delaware River Basin is a critical resource for citizens, farmers and landowners throughout the region and beyond, and we must make sure conservation efforts are as strong as possible,” said Senator Schumer. “Ensuring the Delaware River’s water quality is top-notch is important to local farmers and residents, and I am pleased the USDA has awarded these funds so New Yorkers and others can continue to rely on this special resource for generations to come.”

“The Delaware River Basin is not only a treasured natural resource that must be protected but it is also a key economic anchor in our state,” saidSenator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This critical funding is an important step in the right direction as we continue fighting to protect the Delaware River Basin and work to help the local farmers who rely on its resources. I will continue to push for investments that support New York farmers and businesses and will work to keep the Delaware River Basin clean and safe for the businesses and families who live in its watershed.”

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), promotes coordination between Natural Resources and Conservation (NRSC) and its partners to provide federal assistance to farmers and landowners. Regions must apply in order to be eligible partners in the program and access federal funding. The program was authorized under the most recent farm bill.