WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) introduced the bipartisan Urban Waters Federal Partnership Act, legislation to formally authorize an Environmental Protection Agency-led partnership that supports improvements to our nation’s waterways and drives urban renewal. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Mark Kelly (AZ), and John Cornyn (TX) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership works to reconnect communities to open spaces, as well as spur private investment and job creation. The Rio Reimagined project in metro Phoenix was officially added to the partnership in September 2020.

The Delaware River Watershed—touching Philadelphia and Chester, Pennsylvania as well as parts of New Jersey and Delaware—joined the Urban Waters Partnership as a designated location in 2012.

“The Delaware River is a critical resource for communities across Bucks and Montgomery counties, as well as Pennsylvania’s neighbors,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to partner with Congressman Stanton on this bipartisan legislation that authorizes investments in the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, to further improve our ecosystems and waterways.”

“The revitalization of the Rio Salado is one of the most consequential projects in our state today, and I’m incredibly proud––first as a mayor and now as a member of Congress––to have worked on it for more than a decade now,” said Congressman Stanton. “The support of the federal government is critical to restore this ecosystem, protect our water supply and provide continued opportunities for economic growth.”

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