Sponsors (16)
The bill channels substantial federal funding into coordinated restoration and resilience projects that improve water quality, flood protection, and local economies in the Ohio River Basin and increases Tribal input—while raising federal spending and creating administrative, navigation, and project-distribution risks that must be managed.
Communities across the Ohio River Basin (rural and urban) will see improved water quality and drinking-water protections through coordinated restoration projects.
Residents in the basin will get increased flood and storm resilience from nature-based restoration and infrastructure modifications.
States, Tribes, nonprofits, and universities will gain new grant and partnership funding opportunities to carry out restoration and resilience projects.
Taxpayers face increased federal spending because the program authorizes about $350 million per year through 2030, which could pressure the deficit or displace other priorities.
There is a risk that project requirements to modify levees, dams, or other structures could complicate navigation and existing Corps operations if coordination is insufficient.
States and local entities may incur short-term administrative burdens to match resources, reallocate staff, and apply for and implement grants.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates an EPA Ohio River Basin Restoration Program and national program office to coordinate restoration planning, advisory council input, tribal consultation, public reporting, and partnerships.
Introduced November 7, 2025 by Morgan McGarvey · Last progress November 7, 2025
Creates an Ohio River Basin Restoration Program inside the Environmental Protection Agency and establishes an Ohio River National Program Office led by a Program Director. The office must develop and publish a basin-wide action plan, coordinate EPA actions and interagency partnerships, form an advisory council with state and Tribal representation, facilitate Tribal consultation, and provide annual public reports to Congress. The act sets definitions and organizational requirements but does not specify new funding or deadlines.