S. 3796 establishes a new Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate efforts to protect and restore the Ohio River and its tributaries across 14 states. The program will be led by a dedicated Program Director who will work with an advisory council of federal agencies, states, tribal governments, and local stakeholders to develop restoration goals and action plans focused on improving water quality, protecting fish and wildlife habitat, controlling invasive species, reducing flood risk, and remediating toxic substances. The legislation authorizes $350 million per year from fiscal year 2027 through 2031 for restoration projects, which can be carried out by federal agencies, states, tribes, nonprofits, and other qualified organizations through grants and cooperative agreements. The Program Director must develop measurable restoration goals within one year of enactment and a comprehensive action plan within two years, with both subject to public review and updates every five years.
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