Funding Boost for Upper Delaware River Conservation Efforts

State budget language included in the FY27 Aid to Localities Appropriation bill provides funding for two organizations focused on protecting the Upper Delaware River: Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) and the Upper Delaware Council (UDC).

The 73.4-mile Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, which runs along the New York and Pennsylvania border, is a major natural and recreational resource and an economic driver for the region. According to the announcement, the two organizations submitted a joint request for $550,000 in operational funding to support continued conservation, restoration and management efforts.

The UDC was established in 1988 as part of a formal partnership between local, state and federal entities under the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Management Plan. FUDR has also previously received state grant funding. The new budget includes additional support intended to strengthen both groups’ ongoing environmental and stewardship work.

Assembly Member Paula Kay (District 100) said the funding reflects the importance of natural resources to the region.

“The water we drink, the air we breath, and the landscapes that truly take our breath away are what makes Sullivan County and Upstate New York so incredible. They drive our tourism, and improve our physical and mental health daily and its thanks to organizations like FUDR and UDC. I fought for these two organizations to get this funding, because I know the work that they do and how much of an asset they are to New York State and I am thrilled that my colleagues in the legislature and Governor Hochul agree with me.”

Upper Delaware Council Executive Director Laurie Ramie credited Kay’s advocacy for securing funding.

“Assembly Member Kay pledged to be our champion and catalyst for New York State to fulfill its fiscal obligation for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s management and maintenance, and she absolutely came through for us! Paula has referred to the Upper Delaware Council’s work as proof of the importance of community organization and collaboration to care for land, water, and people,” Ramie said. “This first-ever state operational funding will enable the UDC to enhance its value and impact in the river valley after struggling to survive on flat federal funding since 1988, with neither state providing their intended 20% shares despite signing on to the 1986 River Management Plan. Now it’s time to challenge the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to follow New York State’s lead. We are grateful for Paula’s effective and committed advocacy, and excited for the future.”

Friends of the Upper Delaware River Executive Director Molly Oliver also praised the funding.

“We are deeply grateful to Assembly Member Kay for her leadership and commitment to the Upper Delaware River and the communities that depend on it. This funding represents a meaningful investment in clean water, healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation, and the local economies that are so closely tied to the river. FUDR is proud to work alongside the Upper Delaware Council, our many other local partners, and New York State to ensure this nationally significant resource is protected, restored, and sustained for generations to come.”

Image Credit: iloveny.com