The Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act

Why the CRWPA Matters

The Connecticut River is ecologically, culturally, historically, and financially significant to the millions of Americans who live, work, and recreate within its bounds. The 7.2-million-acre Watershed is essential in contributing to the resilience of its resident natural and human communities, including the millions of Americans who live, work and recreate within its bounds.

Stretching across five States and part of Quebec, Canada, the Connecticut River Watershed provides drinking water for 2.3 million people, and an additional 2.5 million people get their drinking water from reservoirs filled by it. Moreover, the watershed provides 195,000 jobs in outdoor recreation - a $21 billion industry for the four primary Watershed states (CT, MA, NH and VT).

There is national recognition that the Connecticut River Watershed is diverse in its landscape composition: while nearly three-quarters of the Watershed is forested, containing some of the most intact and connected landscapes in New England, it’s also home to several of the largest cities, with more than 80% of the population living in urban areas. The proximity of people and nature make this an ideal landscape to demonstrate the benefits of nature-based climate solutions to densely populated human communities located throughout the largest watershed in New England.

What the CRWPA Will Accomplish

The Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (CRWPA) creates a dedicated funding stream for non-regulatory conservation, restoration, education and recreation in the watershed. Modeled on successful partnerships enabled by federal legislation via the Chesapeake WILD Act (2020) and the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (2015), the CRWPA will enhance coordination between federal agencies and state, regional, tribal, and local public and private partners. The CRWPA will leverage state, local, and private investments in the health of the river and watershed.

Read the full text of the bill