Public Investments in the Delaware River Basin

The Foundation commissioned an analysis by Rutgers University of government funding for land protection and restoration in the Delaware River watershed between 2014 and 2022. During this time period, nearly $4.4 billion -- almost $0.5 billion per year -- was allocated across the Basin, 97% of which was provided by governmental entities. Most of the reported funding came from state governments and water utilities, with only 5% of funding coming from the federal government. The greatest amount of funding went toward sewage collection systems and wastewater treatment plant upgrades primarily in urban areas including Philadelphia and Camden, and preservation of open space and agricultural lands primarily in rural areas.