Ohio River Restoration Program Act

This bill, titled the "Ohio River Restoration Program Act," amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program's primary goal is to advance systemic, large-scale restoration and protection of the Ohio River Basin, which encompasses portions of 15 states. A dedicated Ohio River National Program Office will be created within the EPA, led by a Program Director responsible for coordinating Agency actions, developing an action plan, and engaging with Tribal Governments and stakeholders. The Program Director will also establish an advisory council comprising federal entities and non-federal stakeholders, including representatives from Ohio River States, Tribal Governments, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. Projects and activities under the program are designed to address critical issues such as improving water quality , enhancing community resilience to flood and storm risks, protecting fish and wildlife habitat , preventing aquatic invasive species , and remediating toxic substances . The program prioritizes the use of natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions. The bill mandates the development of measurable actionable goals within one year and a comprehensive action plan within two years, which will be updated every five years. This plan will outline specific objectives, activities, and measures for progress, leveraging existing federal, state, and tribal programs. The Program Director can provide grants to non-federal entities for project implementation, with selection criteria emphasizing equitable distribution, measurable environmental outcomes, and economic benefits. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $350,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out these restoration efforts, with a requirement for a separate budget line item.