Water

WRA announces its 2024 Water Resource Awards

Honorees include DRBC’s Steve Tambini, SBN’s Alex Cupo, and Hope Works.

The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRA) celebrated the 2024 Water Resources Awards winners on September 12th. The 41st Awards Gala recognizes leadership, innovation, and excellence in the science and management of water resources within the Delaware Basin. 

The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRADRB) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting science-based water management and ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Delaware River Basin.

2024 awardees are:

Samuel S. Baxter Memorial Award: Steve Tambini

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jan Bowers

Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award: Pocono Environmental Education Center

Young Leaders Awards: Alex Cupo, Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia 

WRA Achievement Award: City of Wilmington, for their 15th and Walnut Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Separation & Green Infrastructure Project

Innovation and Collaboration Award – Business and Industry: Hope Works for their work, in partnership with New Jersey American Water,, to connect watershed residents in Camden and Philadelphia with the job skills, technical skills, and added support needed to be successful in the water sector and beyond

Innovation and Collaboration Award – Government Agency: The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for their Priority Climate Action Plan

Innovation and Collaboration Award – Research: Villanova University’s Department of Geography and the Environment for their work, led by Stephen T. Goldsmith, PhD, in partnership with Aqua to research local water quality issues and real-world solutions.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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