Bipartisan bill aims to improve areas along the Ohio River

Photo by Michael Bontrager in Vevay

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - A bipartisan congressional bill aims to bring $350 million in federal investments to fund environmental and economic restoration along the Ohio River. 

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-District 9) has co-authored the Ohio River Restoration Act along with other U.S. Representatives who represent areas along the river. 

The Ohio River serves as a source of drinking water for more than 25 million Americans and more than a third of river-based commerce travels on the river. 

The legislation would create a federal office within the Environmental Protection Agency to work with local governments and other entities. It would focus on habitat restoration and farm conservation, pollution prevention, river monitoring and workforce development.

Rep. Houchin says the measure would strengthen the economy, support farmers and manufacturers and provide safe 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,” Rep. Houchin said.