Albany, NY – Included in the FY27 Aid to Localities Budget Appropriation bill is funding for the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) and the Upper Delaware Council, inc. (UDC), two non-profit organizations focused on protecting New York’s most valuable natural resource and one of Sullivan County’s biggest tourism drivers: the 73.4-mile stretch of river running along the New York and Pennsylvania state line, designated as the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

These two organizations have spent decades nurturing and protecting this vital stretch of river and have now come together with a joint request of $550,000 in operational funding to continue their work protecting the Upper Delaware Region, often with very limited commitment from the state and federal governments.

The UDC has been fighting for this funding ever since it was established in 1988 as a formal partnership between local, state, and federal government agencies. While FUDR has been awarded state grants in the past, the additional funding for FUDR in this year’s state budget will allow the organization to build on its successes and continue improving this vital stretch of river and its surrounding wildlife habitats.

Assembly Member Kay said, “The water we drink, the air we breathe, and the landscapes that truly take our breath away are what makes Sullivan County and Upstate New York so incredible. They drive our tourism, and improve our physical and mental health daily and its thanks to organizations like FUDR and UDC. I fought for these two organizations to get this funding, because I know the work that they do and how much of an asset they are to New York State and I am thrilled that my colleagues in the legislature and Governor Hochul agree with me.”

“Assembly Member Kay pledged to be our champion and catalyst for New York State to fulfill its fiscal obligation for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s management and maintenance, and she absolutely came through for us! Paula has referred to the Upper Delaware Council’s work as proof of the importance of community organization and collaboration to care for land, water, and people,” said Upper Delaware Council Executive Director Laurie Ramie.

“This first-ever state operational funding will enable the UDC to enhance its value and impact in the river valley after struggling to survive on flat federal funding since 1988, with neither state providing their intended 20% shares despite signing on to the 1986 River Management Plan. Now it’s time to challenge the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to follow New York State’s lead. We are grateful for Paula’s effective and committed advocacy, and excited for the future.”

Molly Oliver, Executive Director of the Friends of the Upper Delaware River said, “We are deeply grateful to Assembly Member Kay for her leadership and commitment to the Upper Delaware River and the communities that depend on it. This funding represents a meaningful investment in clean water, healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation, and the local economies that are so closely tied to the river. FUDR is proud to work alongside the Upper Delaware Council, our many other local partners, and New York State to ensure this nationally significant resource is protected, restored, and sustained for generations to come.”