The Ohio River Basin, spanning 55 congressional districts across 15 states, is the nation’s largest body of water to receive no dedicated federal funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2025) – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) led introduction of the Ohio River Restoration Program Act with Reps. Erin Houchin (IN-09), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mike Rulli (OH-06), and Mark Messmer (IN-08) to fund the economic and environmental restoration of the Ohio River.
The bipartisan coalition of Members represents districts throughout the Ohio River Basin, which spans 55 congressional districts across 15 states. The Ohio serves as a source of drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, and its ecosystem is vital to local economies and industries, generating more than 500,000 jobs and $21 billion in wages.
Nationwide, more than a third of the United States’ waterborne commerce travels through the Ohio River – $43 billion in commodities annually – yet the Ohio River is still the nation’s largest body of water without any dedicated federal funding. The bill would dedicate up to $350 million in federal investments to the large-scale restoration of the Ohio River Basin, using initiatives similar to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which resulted in more than $3 in return on every federal dollar invested in the program.
“The Ohio River is an economic engine that powers industries and supports billions in nationwide commerce, but at home in the River City, it’s our lifeblood – it’s the water we drink, it’s the way we make a living, it’s a place to keep traditions alive and find community with our neighbors,” 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 Ohio River is critical to our way of life in Southern Indiana,” said 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. I am proud to coauthor this bipartisan bill that will help restore the river, protect public health, and strengthen the economic future of the entire region.”
“The Ohio River is a lifeline for so many communities in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District,” said Rep. Deluzio. “From drinking water, to commerce and recreation, and more—our prosperity relies on a clean and healthy Ohio River. There’s a lot of good work happening to help improve the resilience and livability of our river—but not a lot of funding to get things done. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to dedicate resources to help protect and restore the Ohio River for generations to come.”
“My district is home to both the Lake Erie and Ohio River watersheds. We know how vital clean water is for our communities, our economy, and our health,” said Rep. Sykes. “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.”
“I am proud to co-lead this vital legislation and thank Rep. McGarvey for introducing it,” said Rep. Rulli. “For generations, the Ohio River has served as the backbone of Ohio’s 6th Congressional District and an economic lifeline for our nation, playing a crucial role in settling America and building us into an economic powerhouse. This restoration program is a smart investment that will restore abundant fish and wildlife while keeping the river clean and healthy for future generations.”
“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,” said Rep. Messmer. “The conservation network in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District has worked tirelessly to preserve access to recreation within the basin and reinforce existing ecosystems. I am proud to bolster their investments in one of America’s most impactful watersheds by supporting the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program Act.”
The Ohio River Restoration Program Act would create a federal office within the Environmental Protection Agency to guide a restoration plan in coordination with states, local governments, interstate compact agencies, tribal nations, and non-governmental organizations that includes:
- habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management;
- pollution prevention and clean water protection;
- robust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation;
- local workforce development and training for jobs in water protection and restoration;
- input from the local public to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that residents have a seat at the table in restoration decisions;
- guaranteed clean, safe, and affordable water for local homeowners regardless of economic status; and
- investments in local communities at particular risk of extreme storms, flooding, and pollution.
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