Reps. Sykes Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Restore the Ohio River
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined a bipartisan group of regional leaders in introducing the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, a comprehensive effort to secure the first-ever dedicated federal funding for the Ohio River Basin. Rep. Sykes co-led the legislation alongside Reps. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mike Rulli (OH-06), and Mark Messmer (IN-08).
The bipartisan coalition of members represents districts throughout the Ohio River Basin, which spans 55 congressional districts across 15 states. The Ohio River 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.
“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 am 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 Ohio River is an economic engine that powers industries and supports billions in nationwide commerce. At home in the River City, it is our lifeblood. And yet, our local communities who rely on it most still have not received any dedicated federal funding to properly protect and restore this critical resource. The Ohio River has been overlooked for far too long, and it is time for it to get the attention and investment it deserves,” said Rep. McGarvey.
“The Ohio River is critical to our way of life in Southern Indiana. 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,” said Rep. Houchin. “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. From drinking water, to commerce and recreation, our prosperity relies on a clean and healthy Ohio River. There is a lot of good work happening to improve the resilience of our river, but not enough funding to match the need. I am 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,” said Rep. Deluzio.
“I am proud to co-lead this vital legislation and thank Rep. McGarvey for introducing it. For generations, the Ohio River has served as the backbone of Ohio’s 6th Congressional District and an economic lifeline for our nation. This restoration program is a smart investment that will restore abundant fish and wildlife while keeping the river clean and healthy for future generations,” said Rep. Rulli.
“The Ohio River Basin is essential to the health of thousands of Hoosier residents and to the vitality of southern Indiana’s agricultural and industrial communities. The conservation network in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District has worked tirelessly to preserve access to recreation and reinforce existing ecosystems. I am proud to bolster their efforts by supporting the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program Act,” said Rep. Messmer.
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:
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habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management;
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pollution prevention and clean water protection;
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robust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation;
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local workforce development and training for jobs in water protection and restoration;
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input from the local public to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that residents have a seat at the table in restoration decisions;
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guaranteed clean, safe, and affordable water for local homeowners regardless of economic status; and
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investments in local communities at particular risk of extreme storms, flooding, and pollution.
Rep. Sykes’ leadership on this bill reflects her longstanding support for clean water infrastructure and environmental rehabilitation across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District and the broader Ohio River Basin. She serves on the Ohio River Basin Caucus and the Great Lakes Task Force, and she co-sponsored this legislation last Congress.