Senator Coons joined Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) in introducing an important piece of legislation for Delaware’s ecosystem this week — the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act of 2011 — alongside Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez (both D-N.J.), Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-N.Y.), and Robert Casey (D-Penn.).
This bill will protect and enhance the Delaware River watershed by establishing the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The Delaware River Basin is a precious asset that provides critical resources to Delawareans as well as habitat for a diverse array of wildlife,” Chris said. “The Basin is an incredible economic engine for the region, supporting jobs in the tourism, fishing, and maritime industries, which bolster revenue in the broader regional economy. This legislation will ensure that we take a comprehensive, long-term approach to managing the Basin. It is our responsibility to preserve the Delaware River Basin’s vibrant ecosystem for future generations.”
The legislation would strengthen not only the environmental health of the watershed, but also the economic impact the Delaware River watershed has on the area. It is estimated that the Delaware River watershed contributes over $10 billion in annual economic activity to the tri-state region of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The Delaware River is directly responsible for over 200,000 jobs and $4.3 billion in annual wages and indirectly responsible for an additional 230,000 jobs and $3.4 billion in annual wages. Overall, there are 2,900,000 jobs contained within the watershed and $149 billion in annual wages.
Additionally, the Delaware River is home to the largest freshwater port in the U.S., the Delaware River Port Complex, which generates over $19 billion in annual economic activity.
To learn more about the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, click here. To learn more about Chris’ ideas for environmental protection, click here.