House Committee Begins Hearings on Legislation to Establish the Ohio River Commission

COLUMBUS- The House Economic and Workforce Development Committee today began hearings on House Bill 469, legislation to establish the Ohio River Commission. The measure is championed by State Reps. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) and Don Jones (R-Freeport). 

House Bill 469 would create the Ohio River Commission within the Department of Development to promote economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, and travel and tourism on the Ohio River and its tributaries. 

“From the beginning of record-keeping in 1917 to today, commercial traffic has increased from 5 million tons of cargo to over 230 million tons,” said Robb Blasdel. “The creation of the Ohio River Commission will allow the State of Ohio to protect and utilize an essential cultural and commercial asset to maximize the benefit to all Ohioans.”

The Commission would consist of 11 members: the director of Development, who would chair the committee, the directors of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Transportation, one member each appointed by the House Speaker and Senate President, and six other members appointed by the Governor. 

The Ohio River Commission’s duties will include: 

Collaborating with public or private planning organizations to develop a master plan for Ohio River infrastructure and transportation projects; 
Coordinating with port authorities, local development districts, the federal government, and other interested parties regarding Ohio River issues; 
Compiling an annual report to the Legislature regarding commerce on the Ohio River; and
Seeking and awarding grants and loans and utilizing other finance mechanisms in support of the Ohio River projects. 
 

“I am confident in the value this Commission would add to the assets of the Ohio River,” said Jones. “This Commission will benefit the people of Ohio for many years to come.” 

The Ohio River Commission will be funded by the Ohio River Commission Fund in the state treasury, created in the bill. It also allows the Commission to be funded by appropriate sources of revenue from the Department of Development. 

The legislation will continue to have hearings in the House committee.