[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

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                          HON. ANTONIO DELGADO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 2021

  Mr. DELGADO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). On this 
day 60 years ago, when concurrent compact legislation ratified by 
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Congress 
became law, the DRBC was born.
  It was a seminal moment in water resource management: it marked the 
first time that the federal government and a consortium of states 
formed a regional body to establish a coordinated approach to manage a 
river system. The DRBC--made up of the four governors and a senior U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers official--work collectively to protect the 
basin's water quality and supply allocation, address droughts and 
flooding, and ensure that future generations can enjoy all that the 
river has to offer.
  The Delaware River is the longest un-dammed river in the U.S. east of 
the Mississippi. It provides drinking water for more than 17 million 
Americans. Its watershed generates $25 billion in annual economic 
activity and contributes $21 billion worth of ecosystem goods and 
services each year. It's critically important that we protect this 
precious resource.
  That's why I started the first-ever Congressional Delaware River 
Watershed Caucus with my colleague, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of 
Pennsylvania. Our caucus supports conservation efforts for the basin 
and raises the profile of this ecological gem and economic driver. I 
look forward to continuing to work with the DRBC on our shared goals, 
and I congratulate the Commission on 60 years of outstanding work.

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