Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after assisting in the introduction of the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act, legislation that restores and protects the vital water resources of the Hudson, Mohawk, and Raritan Rivers and their tributaries.

"One of the 17th Congressional Districts most important features is the Hudson River," said Congressman Lawler. "That's why I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act, which will ensure the Hudson River and its tributaries are protected."

"Whether it's preventing pollutants from entering the river and its tributaries or restoring shorelines damaged by storms and other items," concluded Congressman Lawler. "With $20,000,000 set aside annually for grants for restoration projects, communities across the Hudson Valley will benefit greatly from this legislation."

“For too long, our New York-New Jersey Watershed has been grossly underfunded, despite being America’s most populated watershed,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’ve long pushed to support this critical waterway, driving forward federal restoration efforts that will have massive ripple effects, including protecting communities from flood risks, supporting local wildlife, improving water quality, and driving economic growth. Our Watershed Protection Act recognizes the environmental, economic, and community importance of our watershed. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate who are standing in support of this bill and urge Congress to advance this bipartisan, commonsense bill at once.”

“New York and New Jersey share nearly 500 miles of coastline that play a critical role in generating billions in revenue, promoting tourism, and protecting our communities from storm surges and rising seas,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said. “In recent years, hazardous waste, chemicals, and untreated wastewater have diminished the quality of water in the NY-NJ watershed, putting our already vulnerable waterways at risk. I’m proud to have joined my colleagues in cosponsoring this critical piece of legislation that supports federal restoration efforts, improves our water quality, and mitigates flood risks in our communities.”

“The New York-New Jersey Watershed is a vital natural resource that supports the health and well-being of millions of people in our region,” said Senator Booker. “Ongoing threats to this watershed from rising sea levels, storm surges, and legacy pollution demand new solutions, and this bipartisan legislation will help protect habitat and natural resources, increase public access to our outdoor spaces, and improve water quality. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would promote environmental justice and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our communities and our environment.”

“Investing in our waterways is critical to the health and vitality of our region’s water resources and ecosystems, as well as to our local economies and communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act will invest in restoration and protection efforts and fund effective watershed management strategies, support conservation efforts and promote partnerships between stakeholders. The bill will ensure that future generations can benefit from this important natural treasure.”

The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act of 2023:

• Establishes a new program, administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and modeled on other successful regional watershed restoration programs, to coordinate restoration efforts.
• Ensures that restoration efforts utilize science-based principles to protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, increase public access to the watershed, mitigate flood risks, and develop public outreach and educational activities. 
• Emphasizes the need for restoration funds to be delivered to frontline communities experiencing environmental injustice.
• Authorizes $20,000,000 annually for watershed restoration grants through Fiscal Year 2029.

More than 50 organizations support this legislation, including: Scenic Hudson, Riverkeeper, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Hudson River Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund Action, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, New York League of Conservation Voters, The Nature Conservancy – New Jersey, and The Nature Conservancy – New York.

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester County.