Executive Director's Message

Winter 2023: News & Views from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission!

As I look back on 2022 and all we’ve accomplished in the Susquehanna watershed, I find myself marveling at the many partnerships we’ve grown over the years to make it all happen. In the spirit of holiday gratitude, I’d like to acknowledge some of them here.

In June, as we reflected on the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Agnes, heartwarming moments could be found in the chaotic memories as neighbors helped neighbors through the aftermath. Today we’re proud to be part of a team of federal agencies called the Silver Jackets, that works together to reduce risk from floods and other natural disasters.

In October, the country honored the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act that protects our right to clean, safe water. The act paved the way for an enduring relationship between our Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Funding we receive through that partnership restores aquatic life in our basin and protects your drinking water supply. You’ll also learn about our alliances with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and hydroelectric power plants to help bring back the American eel population.

Celebrate with us the 10th anniversary of the Lower Susquehanna Source Water Protection Partnership, a group of other government agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, non-profits and water suppliers that work together to secure safe drinking water. Universities, county conservation districts, for-profit companies – you’ll read about them below and in most of our publications because we can’t do this alone.

Inherently, the Commission itself is a partnership between New York State, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the federal government. We’re a team. It takes a lot of coordination, a little patience, but mainly a common passion for our water resources and a deep-rooted drive to nurture them. It’d be impossible to name all our valued partners here, but know the list is large and our gratitude is larger.

Best regards,
Andrew D. Dehoff, P.E.
Executive Director