Bipartisan Bill Aims to Restore Ohio River, Address Decades of Neglect
A new bill introduced in Congress on November 18, 2025, seeks to address a long-standing disparity: the Ohio River, the nation’s largest body of water, has historically received no dedicated federal funding for its upkeep and restoration. The Ohio River Restoration Programme Act, led by Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), proposes up to $350 million in federal investments to revitalize the vital waterway and the economies it supports.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Representatives Erin Houchin (IN-09), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mike Rulli (OH-06), and Mark Messmer (IN-08), reflects a growing bipartisan recognition of the river’s importance. The Ohio River Basin spans 55 congressional districts across 15 states, impacting a vast swathe of the country.
More than 25 million Americans rely on the Ohio River as a source of drinking water, and its health is crucial for the region’s economic prosperity.
“For too long, the Ohio River has been treated as an afterthought,” said Congressman McGarvey. “And yet, our local communities who rely on it most and have helped sustain this vital resource for years still haven’t gotten a dime in dedicated federal funding to properly protect and restore this critical resource right in our backyard. The Ohio River has been overlooked for far too long, and it’s time for it to get the attention and investment it deserves.”
the proposed legislation draws inspiration from the accomplished Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which has demonstrated a return of more than $3 for every federal dollar invested. Representatives from across the basin echoed the need for similar investment in the Ohio River.
“The Ohio River is critical to our way of life in Southern Indiana,” stated Rep. Houchin. “It strengthens our economy, supports our farmers and manufacturers, and provides drinking water for millions of families. Communities along the Ohio have invested in protecting this resource for generations, and it is time for the federal government to become a real partner in those efforts.”
Congressman Deluzio emphasized the river’s importance to Pennsylvania, noting, “The Ohio River is a lifeline for so many communities in pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. From drinking water,to commerce and recreation,and more-our prosperity relies on a clean and healthy Ohio River.”
Rep. Sykes highlighted the broader environmental benefits, stating, “I’m proud to co-lead the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which will provide resources to restore water infrastructure while protecting the environment.This legislation ensures the Ohio River remains a thriving resource for generations to come.”
The bill also garnered support from Ohio and Indiana representatives. “For generations, the Ohio River has served as the backbone of Ohio’s 6th Congressional District and an economic lifeline for our nation,” said Rep. Rulli.”This restoration program is a smart investment that will restore abundant fish and wildlife while keeping the river clean and healthy for future generations.” Rep. Messmer added, “The Ohio River Basin is essential to not only the health of thousands of Hoosier residents, but to the vitality of southern Indiana’s agricultural and industrial communities.”
The Ohio River restoration program Act proposes the creation of a dedicated federal office within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).This office would be tasked with developing and coordinating a comprehensive restoration plan in collaboration with state and local governments, interstate compact agencies, tribal nations, and non-governmental organizations. Key components of the restoration plan include:
- Habitat restoration,focusing on farm conservation and invasive species control.
- Pollution prevention and clean water protection initiatives.
- Robust monitoring,data collection,and evaluation to track progress.
- Workforce progress programs to train individuals for jobs in water protection and restoration.
- Public engagement to ensure local communities have a voice in restoration decisions.
- Guaranteed access to clean, safe, and affordable water for all residents.
- Targeted investments in communities vulnerable to extreme whether events and pollution.
The passage of the Ohio River Restoration Program Act would mark a important turning point in the stewardship of this vital American waterway, ensuring its health and economic contributions for generations to come.
