Ohio River Way Celebrates Launch of Historic Restoration Plan

Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

CINCINNATI - On Thursday, a draft plan to restore the Ohio River Basin was released for public comment by the Ohio River Basin Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, and Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute. 

The Ohio River Way has announced their support of the plan titled "Health Waters, Health Communities, Healthy Economies: A Collaborative Plan to Restore and Protect the Waters of the Ohio River Basin." This effort aims to significantly improve environmental health, community well-being, and economic vitality throughout the Ohio River Basin. 

The release of the plan begins a period of public comment until July 6. 

“This report highlights the significance of the Ohio River Basin to our region’s economy and quality of life,” said Chris Lorentz, Ph.D., Chair of the Ohio River Basin Alliance and professor of biological sciences at Thomas More University. “It provides a blueprint to restore our waterways, invest in community-driven solutions, and bring national attention to the challenges and opportunities of the region.”

The plan's scope outlines significant investments in improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat, mitigating flooding risks, enhancing workforce development, and expanding public opportunities for river recreation. 

"The health of our communities is deeply connected to the health of the Ohio River," said Forest Clevenger, Executive Director of the Ohio River Way, a nonprofit organization that contributed to the plan’s focus on recreation-based economies. "For too long, the Ohio River has been perceived and accepted as a polluted waterway. Now is the time to safeguard its beauty—and our drinking water—for future generations."

Earlier this spring, the Ohio River Way launched its innovative RESTORE Laboratory, completing its inaugural 300-mile inspection tour of the river on May 15. A dedicated volunteer crew traveled by 30-foot canoes and a 60-foot houseboat for 12 days, conducting water-quality tests, completing biodiversity assessments, and engaging with river communities on their conservation and recreation priorities.

Initiatives like these are growing the momentum for substantial, sustained federal support modelled after the successful Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In December 2024, Representatives Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Erin Houchin (IN-09) introduced the bipartisan Ohio River Basin Restoration Program Act, aiming to secure similar transformative change for the Ohio River Basin.

The Ohio River Way remains committed to working closely with federal, state, and local partners to bring this ambitious plan to fruition. To read the full draft report, please click here. Members of the public can comment on the draft report through this form until Monday, July 6, at 6pm EST.

The Ohio River Basin Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, and the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute will thoughtfully consider feedback for integration into the final report.