As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session S. C. R. No. 19

2025-2026

Senator Wilkin

A c o n c u r r e n t R E S O L U T I O N

To urge the Congress of the United States to enact the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to bring clean water, enhanced fish and aquatic wildlife, economic benefits, expanded recreation opportunities, and public health protections to Ohio.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF OHIO (THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING):

WHEREAS, The Ohio River is a major river in the United States, with its watershed spanning 15 states and serving 30 million people; and

WHEREAS, The Ohio River is 981 miles long and forms the entire 451-mile southern border of Ohio; and

WHEREAS, 40 of Ohio's streams and rivers, fed by hundreds of tributaries, flow into the Ohio River; and

WHEREAS, The Ohio River watershed covers approximately 29,750 square miles within Ohio, accounting for nearly 75% of Ohio's total landmass and 14.5% of the entire Ohio River Basin's drainage area; and

WHEREAS, The Ohio River is a massive economic driver for Ohio, with maritime commerce generating billions of dollars in business revenue, personal income, and transportation savings annually. Cargo activity generates about $26.5 billion in total economic value; and

WHEREAS, Earth Economics found that the 68 million acres of natural ecosystems in the Ohio River Basin provide at least $50 billion in public benefits annually and a projected value of $1.17 trillion over 30 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, the national nonprofit American Rivers designated the Ohio River as America's second most endangered river; and

WHEREAS, Degradation of water quality, harmful algal blooms, toxic contamination, failing infrastructure, and flooding events pose signification risks to public health, including threats to safe drinking water, increased exposure to waterborne illness, and elevated risks of respiratory and other chronic health conditions; and

WHEREAS, Investments in water quality improvement, watershed restoration, green infrastructure, and toxic remediation will reduce public health risks, lower long-term healthcare costs, strengthen community resilience to extreme weather events, and improve overall quality of life for residents throughout the Basin; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 5966 has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives and S. 3796 has been introduced in the United States Senate, both with wide bipartisan support; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 5966 and S. 3796 create the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program to improve water quality, increase flood resiliency, restore natural systems, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats, prevent and control invasive aquatic species, remediate toxic substances, improve public access and recreation, and improve public outreach and education in the Ohio River Basin; and

WHEREAS, Ohio will benefit from an improved Ohio River and its tributaries, including improved drinking water, economic benefits to communities, infrastructure investments, enhanced recreational opportunities, and measurable public health protections; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge approval of H.R. 5966 and S. 3796, creating the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, to bring clean water, enhanced fish and aquatic wildlife, economic benefits, expanded recreation opportunities, and improved public health protections to Ohio; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation.