OH SCR19

Urges Congress to pass H.R. 5966 and S. 3796, the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which has bipartisan support in both chambers

The Ohio River spans 981 miles with 451 miles forming Ohio's southern border; its watershed covers approximately 29,750 square miles (75% of Ohio's landmass) and serves 30 million people across 15 states

American Rivers designated the Ohio River as America's second most endangered river in 2023 due to water quality degradation, harmful algal blooms, toxic contamination, and failing infrastructure

The federal program would improve water quality, increase flood resiliency, restore fish and wildlife habitats, control invasive species, remediate toxic substances, and expand public recreation access

Economic impact includes $26.5 billion in cargo activity value and an estimated $50 billion annually in public benefits from natural ecosystems, with a projected 30-year value of $1.17 trillion