LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two area legislators met with environmental advocates Wednesday in Louisville as they look for the best way to invest federal money in the restoration efforts on the Ohio River.
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, and Indiana Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Indiana, hosted a private listening session to hear directly from people on the ground about efforts to restore the Ohio River and what federal resources they need to do so.
McGarvey — who, along with Houchin, serve as bipartisan co-chairs of the Ohio River Basin Caucus — said the Ohio River is the largest body of water in the country that doesn't get dedicated federal funding.
Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus co-chairs Reps. Morgan McGarvey and Erin Houchin. Aug. 14, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
"When we go through the appropriations process, I think the reason that the Ohio River Basin, in particular, has not received federal funding is because no one has been asking," Houcin said. "Every single other river basin, water basin in the United States has federal funding."
In a news release, McGarvey's office said more than 25 million people depend on the Ohio River for drinking water, health, jobs.
"Every single drop of water that Louisvillians enjoy comes out of the Ohio River," he said. "Whether they're drinking, whether they're taking a bath, whether they're watering their yard or their garden, it comes out of the Ohio River."
American Rivers, a national group aimed at "protecting and restoring rivers throughout the country," ranked the Ohio in 2023 as the second-most-endangered river in the country.
"The Ohio River Basin drains areas affected by environmental pollution from heavy industrialization, including mining and resource extraction for energy development, chemical production, and durable goods manufacturing," American Rivers said in its 2023 rankings. "Despite measurable progress, two thirds of the river is listed as impaired for bacteria under the Clean Water Act. High levels of nutrients present in the river results in the formation of toxic algae outbreaks. The cumulative impact of all of this pollution threatens drinking water and public health, while also putting vulnerable communities at risk."
American Rivers said the Ohio River Basin Alliance, the chair of which, Craig Butler, attended Wednesday's meeting with McGarvey and Houchin, is drafting a restoration plan for the entire basin called the Ohio River Restoration Plan.
"This 'blueprint' presents goals, objectives and actions for general improvements to safeguard drinking water, support the ecological well-being of the river, and invest in quality of life for communities along the river," American Rivers said. "Members of Congress from across the Ohio River watershed must support the plan to designate the Ohio River as a distinct water system worthy of substantial federal funding to support its recovery, protection, and future value."
McGarvey said Wednesday that the Ohio River supports 670,000 jobs and generates $21 billion in wages across the five primary states in the basin. McGarvey said he and Houchin are working with Democrats and Republicans all along the Ohio River to put together a "legacy project" that people will talk about for decades to come.
"We have such an advantage here with this incredible fresh water resource," he said. "But if we don't take care of it, it won't always be here."
A sign denoting Ohio River Basin at a news conference with Reps. Morgan McGarvey and Erin Houchin. Aug. 14, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
Ohio River Coverage:
- 'Opportunity to make a difference'| Ohio River makes list of 'endangered rivers' in US
- Report: Ohio River ranked as second-most 'endangered river' in the US
- Harmful algal bloom in Ohio River could affect upcoming IRONMAN Louisville competition
- First responders from Indiana and Kentucky participate in emergency training at McAlpine Locks
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
