The Delaware River Basin Task Force of the Northeast-Midwest Coalition secured co-sponsorship from four additional congressmen for H.R. 644, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act. Last week, Representatives Nadler (D-NY), Engel (D-NY), Brady (D-PA), and Rangel (D-NY) joined the effort to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness of voluntary restoration and conservation efforts in the Delaware River Basin through the legislation. Three of the new cosponsors come from New York City, where 8 million NYC residents depend on the Delaware River for approximately half of their drinking water supply. The Delaware River water supplying NYC is unfiltered, because of the cleanliness and protection of the Delaware River Watershed to date. Should the quality of Delaware River water deteriorate, adding filtration plants would cost ~$8-10 billion in capital costs,and operating costs of ~$1 million a day, according to NYC's Department of Environmental Conservation. Such costs would ultimately get passed on to consumers' water bills, whereas conservation, protection, and restoration create much lower upfront and operational costs. Rep. Carney (sponsor; D-DE), the other co-chairs of the Delaware River Basin Task Force--Dent (R-PA), Gibson (R-NY), Holt (D-NJ)--and Reps. Andrews (D-NJ), Cartwright (D-PA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), LoBiondo (R-NJ), Meehan (R-PA), Runyan (R-PA), and Schwartz (D-PA) introduced H.R. 644. Reps. Meng (D-NY) and Tonko (D-NY) joined the bill later, on March 21.   

The April edition of the Great Lakes Hill Happenings is now available. This edition includes:

• Links to signed appropriations letters requesting support for Great Lakes programs, like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and other national programs that support the Great Lakes states;
• Legislative updates on the Senate's consideration of the Water Resources Development Act as well as House hearings, and updates on introduced legislation addressing non-point source pollution in the Great Lakes; and
• Highlights of the International Joint Commission's final report and recommendations on management of the Upper Great Lakes Water Levels.

EPA announced it will provide grants to New York and New Jersey for rebuilding, improving and upgrading wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities impacted by Superstorm Sandy. New York will received $340 million; New Jersey will receive $229 million. The states will issue a request for proposals from communities seeking assistance. Each state will create its plan for the funds, which will receive EPA review and public comment prior to approval. EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe noted these funds, provided through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, are just one of many sources for communities seeking assistance in rebuilding. Perciasepe emphasized the need to rebuild and upgrade facilities using green infrastructure and resilient designs to assure operation during future major storm events. The New York Times recently reported on a non-profit group's study that concluded over 10 billion gallons of raw and partly-treated sewage spilled into waterways during Superstorm Sandy, with 94% of that flowing into New York and New Jersey waterways.

NEMWI marks the passing of Robert Edgar, former co-chair of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition and great advocate for the NEMW region. Mr. Edgar served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania (PA-7) for six terms (1975-1987).During that time, he was known for his work on public transportation, the environment, and Super Fund legislation, among other issues. Mr. Edgar was an advocate for open government and served as head of the public interest group Common Cause since 2007. A memorial service will be held for Mr. Edgar on Wednesday, May 8th at 1:00 pm at Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St., NW, Washington DC 20036).  

For more information, contact Allegra Cangelosi, President of the Northeast-Midwest Institute.