Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

This legislation aims to extend and enhance vital conservation efforts within the Delaware River Basin. It specifically reauthorizes the existing conservation programs established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, effectively pushing their expiration date from 2023 to 2033 , ensuring continued funding for another decade. A key provision of this bill is the expansion of the program's geographic scope to formally include Maryland , thereby redefining the basin from a 4-state to a 5-state area in the program's definitions and findings. Additionally, the bill introduces a new criterion for project selection, allowing for priority to be given to projects that specifically benefit small, rural, or disadvantaged communities within the expanded basin, aiming to direct resources to areas with greater need.