Congressman Tom Kane Jr. praises Delaware River Sojourn, urges investment in water infrastructure

Congressman Tom Kane Jr., speaking remotely to the 2024 Delaware River Sojourn, thanked organizers and partners and urged continued investment in the Delaware River Basin’s water infrastructure. "Nearly 2,000,000 New Jerseyans live within the Delaware River Basin and over 1,000,000 or more are served by its waters," Kane said, framing the basin as vital to state communities.

Kane called clean and sustainable water resources "critical to New Jersey," and said events such as the Delaware River Sojourn help link people to the river while supporting local economies. "Recreation and water activities like the Delaware River Sojourn are keystones of the economic and cultural successes of our river communities," he said.

Identifying himself as a member of the Delaware River Watershed Caucus in Congress, Kane said he will "continue to fight in Congress for better water infrastructure and management in the Delaware River Basin and across the district." He praised the Sojourn’s nearly 30-year history promoting "safe, responsible recreation and environmental stewardship."

Kane thanked specific hosts and partners: Mark Zakrutanski, chair of the Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee; the National Park Service Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; Worthington State Forest Superintendent Ernie Cabert; New Jersey Forest Service; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; day planner Stephanie Urangowski of the Broadhead Watershed Association; and Art Charlton, director of public information for Warren County. He closed by urging attendees to "enjoy your journey" and to help "protect, preserve, and responsibly develop our water and our environmental resources."

The remarks were entirely ceremonial and promotional for the Sojourn; no formal motions, votes, or policy actions were taken during the address.