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119-s-3796119th CongressWALLET

Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Fetterman, John [D-PA]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a dedicated Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the EPA to coordinate and fund restoration projects that improve water quality and ecological health. It establishes an Ohio River National Program Office and advisory council with state and Tribal representatives, requires an action plan and public reporting, and prioritizes nature-based solutions for basin-wide restoration and monitoring.

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  • Families and communities: Funds projects aimed at improving drinking water and boosting resilience to floods and storms through natural infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.
  • Local governments, Tribes, nonprofits, and universities: Gives the Program Director authority to award grants for planning, design, implementation, or construction of projects described in the action plan.
  • Environment and public use: Directs work to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, control invasive species, remediate toxic substances, expand compatible public access and recreation, and coordinate with Corps of Engineers navigation and disaster risk infrastructure.

*Authorizes $350 million per year for FY2027–2031, increasing federal spending to support basin restoration.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New $350 million yearly cleanup funding

This bill would authorize $350,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031 for the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program. The EPA Administrator would be able to transfer funds to other Federal agencies with that agency head's concurrence or use interagency agreements. The Program Director would be able to make grants to qualified non-Federal entities, including States, Tribal Governments, local governments, nonprofits, universities, and individuals. Funds would be available to plan, design, implement, or construct projects listed in the action plan.

New Ohio River restoration program

This bill would create an Ohio River Basin Restoration Program inside the EPA. It would set up an Ohio River National Program Office led by a Program Director. The Director would form an advisory council with each Ohio River State, basin-region reps, Tribal Governments in the basin, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. The bill would define which States and basin areas count and require measurable goals within 1 year and an action plan within 2 years, updated at least every 5 years. The Program would prioritize nature-based and non-structural projects and require project selection to avoid harming navigation or disaster-risk infrastructure.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Fetterman, John [D-PA]

PA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 2/5/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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