News

Congress votes to invest $50 Million In Nation’s Estuaries

Local orgs like the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary could benefit from this new legislation.

The Protect and Restore America’s Estuaries Act, which supports national estuaires and nearly doubles funding to $50 million, was signed into law on January 13, 2021.

The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a non-regulatory program that enables communities to restore and protect the bays and estuaries. Locally, the Delaware Estuary and its host Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), is one of 28 “estuaries of national significance” that will benefit directly from this legislation. 

Each NEP could receive as much as $1 million each year under the new law. The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary works with local communities to protect the coastal resources critical to local tourism, commerce, storm protection, clean water, and marine-based food supply such as fisheries and aquaculture. Threats from climate change, pollution, harmful algal blooms, accelerating land loss, and risks to biodiversity threaten these vital resources.

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary boasts a few accomplishments in 2020: recycled more than 17,000 pounds of oyster shells for restoration projects, over 60 virtual programs during the Delaware River Festival, installed a dozen new groundwater monitoring wells, and studied over 22,000 stems of cordgrass to track saltwater intrusion impacts. Over the past three years, it reinforced 1,300 feet of living shoreline in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey with recycled oyster shells. 

Cover photo:  Wetlands, courtesy of Partnership for the Delaware Estuary


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

New park renovations, SBN Director steps down, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Newly renovated playground and basketball court in Port…

2 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

2 days ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

2 weeks ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago