Representative Mark Molinaro praises Delaware River Basin Commission, pledges federal support and honors retiring director

Representative Mark Molinaro opened remarks at a Delaware River Basin Commission gathering in Narrowsberg, saying he represents Upstate New York in Congress and pledging continued federal support for the commission.

"Over 14,000,000 Americans rely on the Delaware River for drinking water, agriculture, and commercial uses," Molinaro said, adding that "the DRBC [Delaware River Basin Commission] serv(es) as its steward," and that he has led efforts in Congress to secure water infrastructure funding.

Molinaro said he has taken bipartisan steps to protect funding for the commission, saying he crossed party lines "to defeat efforts that would jeopardize our mission." He also said he has introduced legislation intended to ensure federal funding for the commission; the statement in the transcript included a phrasing rendered as "ensure funding for our environment act," and the speaker's intention is reported here as he stated it in the record.

Molinaro praised the leadership of the commission's executive director. "Congratulations to executive director Steve Tambini on your well earned retirement after successfully leading the DRBC for 10 years," he said, adding that Tambini "left a lasting impact on New York and the neighboring states." The remarks in the transcript were celebratory and did not record any formal personnel action.

He also used the occasion to acknowledge local nonprofit partners and meeting hosts, thanking the Narrowsberg Ecumenical Food Pantry, the Wayne County Food Pantry Program, and the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless for their community work and naming Ariel Schandberg of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, the Tustin Theater team, and Lori Ramey of the Upper Delaware Council as hosts.

The remarks were introductory and ceremonial; the transcript records no motions, votes, or formal actions during this segment.