Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Fetterman, John [D-PA]
Introduced
Summary
The bill would create a new EPA Ohio River Basin Restoration Program to drive systemic, large-scale restoration and protection of the Ohio River Basin. It would establish a Program Office and Director, an advisory council, measurable goals, and an action plan while authorizing grants and funding to carry out nature-based projects that improve water quality, habitat, and community resilience.
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- Families and communities: Would get projects aimed at improving water quality and drinking water, increasing flood and storm resilience, and expanding public access and recreation.
- Tribes, states, local governments, nonprofits, and universities: Could receive grants or agreements to carry out projects and sit on an advisory council to shape priorities, goals, and project selection.
- EPA and federal partners: Would host an Ohio River National Program Office led by a Program Director to coordinate Federal actions, produce and update an action plan with measurable goals, document progress publicly, and oversee funding.
*Authorizes $350 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, about $1.8 billion total, increasing federal spending over that period.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Big federal funding for Ohio River
If enacted, the bill would authorize $350 million each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program. That totals $1.75 billion of authorized funding over five years. The EPA could transfer money to other federal agencies with the receiving agency head's approval or use interagency agreements. The EPA would also be required to request a separate budget line for the Program in its annual EPA budget submission.
Action plan, deadlines, public reports
If enacted, the Program Director would have to set measurable goals within 1 year and publish an action plan within 2 years. The action plan must list existing programs, give a multi‑year plan with objectives, include a maintenance and monitoring plan, and may name project recommendations with timelines and costs. The Director must update the goals and plan at least every 5 years and submit annual public reports to Congress and post them online.
EPA office to lead basin work
If enacted, the bill would create an Ohio River Basin Restoration Program inside the EPA. The EPA Administrator would set up an Ohio River National Program Office and appoint a Program Director with relevant management and technical experience. That office would plan, coordinate, and report on basin-scale restoration and work with federal and non-federal partners.
Grants for local restoration projects
If enacted, the Program Director would be able to make grants and enter agreements with qualified non‑Federal recipients. Eligible recipients would include states, regional and local governments, Tribal governments, nonprofits, colleges, and individuals determined to be qualified. Grants would fund planning, design, implementation, or construction of projects that meet the Program goals.
Project rules and priorities set
If enacted, every funded project would need to meet at least one Program goal, such as cleaner water, better drinking water, flood and storm resilience, habitat protection, invasive species control, toxic cleanup, public access, monitoring, or outreach. Projects must prioritize natural infrastructure and nature‑based, non‑structural solutions when practicable. The EPA must pick projects that show measurable outcomes, spread work across the Basin, are feasible and timely, and do not harm navigation or disaster risk infrastructure.
Advisory council and tribal coordination
If enacted, the Program Director would form an advisory council that includes each State in whole or part in the Basin, representatives for the upper/middle/lower Basin, each Tribal government in the Basin, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. The Director would coordinate program plans with the council and work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to facilitate Tribal engagement and consultation.
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.
View on Congress.gov