Kean, Gottheimer Introduce Resolution to Protect the Delaware Water Gap

(July 21, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for maintaining the designation of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

"The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an important resource for our region," said Congressman Kean. "New Jerseyans have enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, canoeing, and more there for decades. It is critical that the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area remain a designated Recreation Area so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and local residents, rather than threatening its purpose and local outdoor recreation activities by redesignating it a National Park."

"As I've said from day one, this matter required significant local input because it directly impacts many North Jersey townships, boroughs, and residents," said Congressman Gottheimer. "I have immense trust in the mayors and local governments of the Fifth District and their ability to represent the views of our shared constituents. Following constructive discussions with local mayors and officials, and solicitation of local input, it does not seem that the proposal to redesignate the Delaware Water Gap as a national park has the necessary local support to move forward."

"The Delaware Water Gap Defense Fund has strongly opposed changing its designation to a national park and preserve since 2022," said Sandy Hull, founder of the Delaware Water Gap Defense Fund. "This resolution reflects cooperative efforts by Congressmen Kean and Gottheimer to maintain the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a national recreation area. Support for preserving its current status comes from millions of residents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, supported by hunting, environmental, recreational, historical, and cultural organizations. As a living legacy of the tragic Tocks Island Dam project, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area deserves protection, and we thank all who continue to stand up for its history and natural beauty."

Background:

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a 70,000-acre national recreation area in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The area was designated as a recreation area by Congress in 1965 and given to the National Park Service for stewardship in 1975. It remains under the care of the NPS today.

Congressman Kean is a member of the Delaware River Watershed Caucus.

Read the text of the resolution HERE.

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