Senate 7

SENATE RESOLUTION 7

(By Senators Oliverio and Clements)

[Introduced January 19, 2026]

Proposing approval of United States H.R. 5966, Ohio River Restoration Program Act, to bring clean water, enhanced fish and aquatic wildlife, economic benefits, and expanded recreation opportunities to West Virginia.

Whereas, The Ohio River is a major river in the United States, with its watershed spanning 15 states and serving 30 million people; and

Whereas, The Ohio River is 981 miles long, with 277 miles (28.2 percent) of the Ohio River abutting West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Virginia owns that portion of the Ohio River abutting West Virginia up to the low water mark on the Ohio side of the river; and  

Whereas, The Ohio River drains approximately 75 percent (18,217 square miles) of the total area of West Virginia; and

Whereas, The Ohio River is formed by the convergence of the Monongahela River that rises in West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Virginia is an important Ohio River state; and

Whereas, The Ohio River provides transportation and other benefits to West Virginia; however, the Ohio River is one of the most polluted rivers and needs help to restore the Ohio River; and

Whereas, H.R. 5966 has been filed in the United States House of Representatives with wide bipartisan support; and

Whereas, H.R. 5966 creates the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program to improve water quality, increase flood resiliency including restoration of natural systems, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, prevent and control invasive aquatic species, remediate toxic substances, improve public access and recreation, and improve public outreach and education in the Ohio River basin; and

Whereas, West Virginians will benefit from an improved Ohio River, including drinking water, economic benefits to communities, infrastructure investments, and enhanced recreational opportunities; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby proposes approval of United States H.R. 5966, Ohio River Restoration Program Act, to bring clean water, enhanced fish and aquatic wildlife, economic benefits, and expanded recreation opportunities to West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to West Virginia’s congressional delegation.