Maria Russo, Policy Specialist, West Virginia Rivers Coalition (WV Rivers)
Senator Mike Oliverio delivers remarks from the Senate floor expressing approval of Ohio River restoration efforts. Photographed by Will Price, WV Legislative Photographer.
On January 20, 2026, the West Virginia State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 7: “Proposing approval for Ohio River Restoration Program Act” through a unanimous voice vote. The resolution communicates approval for United State H.R. 5966, Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which is currently being considered in the U.S. Congress. The act aims to deliver investment to the Ohio River region, which will contribute to expanding clean water, improving conditions for wildlife, and contributing to recreation and economic development in West Virginia.
The resolution states that the Ohio River is a major river that plays a critical role at the national level, spanning 15 states and serving 30 million people with drinking water.
Mike Jones, Conservation Manager with WV Rivers stated, “We have worked for many months to get to this place, and we are overjoyed to see this resolution pass the Senate. We are grateful to Senator Oliverio for taking such leadership in this work and to the bill’s co-sponsor Senator Clements for helping us to deliver the necessary investments to this region.”
In his remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Mike Oliverio (R-Monongalia), who served as lead sponsor of the resolution, stated, “We’ve watched federal dollars flow to river basins all across the United States, yet our river basin—the Ohio River Basin, the Monongahela, the Youghiogheny all flowing—has been without federal support. This resolution asks the United States Congress to begin to spread some of those dollars around to include the Ohio River.”
Over the last two years, Senator Oliverio has been an active participant in the Monongahela River Basin legislative roundtables hosted by WV Rivers. In these forums, leaders from West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania have come together to discuss interstate coordination and priorities for the Monongahela River, which ultimately flows into the mighty Ohio.
We are hoping for similar success in the House of Delegates, as we work to identify a lead sponsor in hopes of passing a House resolution this session, too.
Charlise Robinson, Ohio River Coordinator for WV Rivers, reminded us that this is far from the beginning or the end of this work, and that we plan to play an active role every step of the way.
Robinson stated, “For generations, the Ohio River Basin has been the pulse of America. It powers our economy, supplies drinking water to millions, supports thriving communities, and defines who we are in the region. I am happy to witness us take the necessary steps to ensure sustainability of the Ohio River Basin continues.”
Robinson has supported the work of the Healthy Waters Coalition, and their report for recommendations for the region can be found here.
Now that this resolution has passed the Senate, the clerk will forward a copy of this approval directly to West Virginia’s congressional delegation.
Recently, Congresswoman Carol Miller signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 5966, showing leadership for clean water and healthy communities. Now, we need to keep the momentum going on to the federal level. Please use this tool to make a call to thank Congresswoman Miller for her support and urge Congressman Riley Moore to join the Act as a co-sponsor.
