Louisville, Kentucky, November 21, 2025
A coalition of U.S. representatives from 15 states is pushing for federal funding to implement the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which proposes up to $350 million for large-scale restoration projects. Co-led by Representatives Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) and Erin Houchin (R-IN), the initiative aims to protect the vital resource that supports over 25 million people and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. This development is crucial for addressing the environmental challenges faced by the Ohio River Basin.
Louisville, Kentucky
Federal Funding Sought for Ohio River Restoration
Louisville, Kentucky – A bipartisan coalition of U.S. representatives from 15 states is advocating for federal funding to restore the Ohio River. The proposed Ohio River Restoration Program Act aims to allocate up to $350 million for large-scale restoration projects, modeled after successful initiatives like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This legislation is co-led by Representatives Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) and Erin Houchin (R-IN), with support from other members representing districts along the Ohio River Basin.
Economic and Environmental Significance
The Ohio River serves as a vital resource, providing drinking water to over 25 million Americans and supporting more than 500,000 jobs. It facilitates over a third of the nation’s river-based commerce, accounting for $43 billion in annual commodities. Despite its importance, the river currently lacks dedicated federal funding for its restoration and protection.
Legislative Details
The proposed legislation would establish a federal office within the Environmental Protection Agency to collaborate with states and local governments on restoration efforts. This office would coordinate funding and initiatives to address environmental challenges facing the Ohio River Basin.
Community and Environmental Support
The bill has garnered endorsements from various environmental and conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation and the Ohio River Basin Alliance. These organizations emphasize the critical need for federal investment to safeguard the river’s health and the well-being of the communities that depend on it.
Background Context
Established in 2009, the Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus addresses economic, infrastructure, agricultural, environmental, and community issues within the Ohio River Basin. The caucus aims to ensure congressional support for programs and projects essential to the region.
Next Steps
The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is currently under consideration in Congress. If passed, it would mark a significant federal commitment to the long-term health and sustainability of the Ohio River, benefiting millions of residents and the broader economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Ohio River Restoration Program Act?
The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is proposed legislation aiming to allocate up to $350 million for large-scale restoration projects of the Ohio River Basin, modeled after successful initiatives like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Which representatives are leading the legislation?
The legislation is co-led by Representatives Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) and Erin Houchin (R-IN), with support from other members representing districts along the Ohio River Basin.
What is the significance of the Ohio River?
The Ohio River provides drinking water to over 25 million Americans, supports more than 500,000 jobs, and facilitates over a third of the nation’s river-based commerce, accounting for $43 billion in annual commodities.
What organizations support the bill?
The bill has received endorsements from environmental and conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation and the Ohio River Basin Alliance, highlighting the need for federal investment to protect the river.
What is the Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus?
Established in 2009, the Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus addresses economic, infrastructure, agricultural, environmental, and community issues within the Ohio River Basin, aiming to ensure congressional support for essential programs and projects in the region.
Key Features of the Ohio River Restoration Program Act
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Allocation | Up to $350 million for large-scale restoration projects in the Ohio River Basin. |
| Legislative Leadership | Co-led by Representatives Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) and Erin Houchin (R-IN), with support from other members representing districts along the Ohio River Basin. |
| Environmental Significance | Addresses the lack of dedicated federal funding for the Ohio River, which serves as a vital resource for over 25 million Americans and supports more than 500,000 jobs. |
| Support from Organizations | Endorsed by environmental and conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation and the Ohio River Basin Alliance, emphasizing the need for federal investment to protect the river. |
| Legislative Background | Introduced by the Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus, which addresses economic, infrastructure, agricultural, environmental, and community issues within the Ohio River Basin. |
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