Ohio River Restoration Program Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish an Ohio River Basin Restoration Program. It creates a program office within the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate restoration and protection of the Ohio River Basin, sets up an advisory council, and authorizes funding for projects and activities.

Sec. 2, Ohio River Basin Restoration Program: This section adds a new section 127 to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It defines key terms including the Ohio River Basin (watershed portions of 14 states) and Tribal Governments. It establishes an Ohio River National Program Office within the EPA, headed by a Program Director appointed by the EPA Administrator. The Director coordinates EPA actions, develops a restoration program and action plan, documents and publicizes information, and facilitates Tribal engagement. The Director may enter agreements with federal and non-federal entities and must establish an advisory council including states, basin regions, Tribal Governments, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. The Director must submit to Congress an action plan, updates, and annual reports on progress, coordination, funds transferred, grants, projects, and agreements.

Sec. 2, Ohio River Basin Restoration Program (continued): The section establishes the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the EPA to carry out projects and activities for systemic, large-scale restoration and protection. Activities must address at least one of: improving water quality and drinking water; increasing community resilience to floods and storms; protecting fish and wildlife habitat; preventing aquatic invasive species; remediating toxic substances; improving public access and recreation; collecting monitoring data; or improving public outreach and education. Projects must prioritize natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Funds may be used for projects by federal or non-federal entities, and the Program Director may make grants to qualified non-federal entities. Project selection, in collaboration with the advisory council, must consider equitable distribution, measurable outcomes, economic benefits, feasibility, and reducing duplication. Projects must be compatible with Corps of Engineers navigation and disaster risk reduction infrastructure.

Sec. 2, Actionable Goals and Action Plan: Within one year of enactment, the Program Director must develop measurable and reportable actionable goals for the program. Within two years, an action plan must be developed, including descriptions of existing programs, recommendations for a comprehensive approach leveraging existing programs, a multi-year plan with objectives and commitments, and a monitoring plan. The plan may include specific project recommendations with timelines and costs. The Director must review and update the goals and plan at least every five years, consult with the advisory council, and provide public notice and comment opportunities.

Sec. 2, Funding: $350,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to carry out this section. The Administrator may transfer funds to other federal agencies with their concurrence or enter into interagency agreements. The Administrator must include a separate budget line item for the program in the EPA's annual budget submission to Congress.