A RESOLUTION expressing support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to advance clean water, economic development, community stability, and expanded recreation opportunities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Freeland

Kentucky resolves support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, aiming to improve Ohio River water quality and spur economic, recreational, and community benefits.

to Committee on Committees (H)

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Overview

HR 127 is a Kentucky House resolution expressing support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act. The resolution articulates backing for federal or broader legislative efforts to restore and protect water quality in the Ohio River, with an emphasis on benefits to Kentucky. It is an introductory measure that signals alignment with initiatives aimed at clean water, economic development, community stability, and expanded recreation opportunities within the Commonwealth.

Purpose and Intent

Demonstrates official Kentucky House support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act.

Posits that restoring the Ohio River’s health will yield multiple public benefits, including environmental, economic, and social gains for Kentucky communities.

Serves as a statement of principle and a political/advocacy vehicle to encourage federal action or companion state/federal collaborations related to the Ohio River watershed.

Key Provisions (What the Resolution Does)

Expresses favorable sentiment toward the Ohio River Restoration Program Act.

Recites intended outcomes linked to the program, specifically:

Clean water quality improvements in the Ohio River and its watershed portions affecting Kentucky.
Economic development opportunities arising from improved river health (e.g., upstream and downstream commerce, investment, tourism).
Community stability through environmental enhancements that can reduce flood risk, improve public health, and support local livelihoods.
Expanded recreation opportunities enabled by better water quality and riverfront amenities (boating, fishing, parks, trails).

Calls on or encourages other branches of state government, federal authorities, or relevant agencies to support or align with the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, though it does not by itself authorize funding or create new programs at the state level.

May include formal endorsement of ongoing or proposed federal legislation and partnerships related to river restoration.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Kentucky residents and communities along the Ohio River, including local governments, economic developers, and recreation users.

Agencies and departments within Kentucky that coordinate water quality, environmental protection, economic development, and public health.

Stakeholders connected to river-related industries (e.g., transportation, tourism, fishing, boating) who stand to benefit from cleaner water and enhanced riverfront amenities.

The measure signals alignment with federal restoration initiatives, potentially affecting intergovernmental collaboration and funding priorities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction date: March 25, 2026.

Referral: Committee on Committees (H) is listed as the initial committee, indicating standard procedural routing for a House resolution.

As a resolution, it typically serves a symbolic and policy-affirming role rather than creating binding fiscal obligations or new statutory authorities.

No specific fiscal appropriation or implementation timeline is included in the summary; any financial commitments would require separate legislation or appropriation actions.

Remarks

The bill is an affirmative, non-binding expression of legislative support rather than a statute establishing programs or funding.

It positions Kentucky as an ally in regional river restoration efforts and seeks to align state policy with broader clean-water and economic-development objectives associated with the Ohio River Restoration Program Act.