Ohio is set to reconnect with its waterfront roots, thanks to Governor Mike DeWine, who recently celebrated the launch of two major revitalization projects along the Ohio River in Portsmouth. Through a substantial $34.2 million grant from the Appalachian Community Grant Program's Wonderful Waterfront Initiative, Portsmouth is gearing up for a significant facelift. Governor DeWine emphasized the dual benefits of these projects, stating, "Through the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, we are not just revitalizing our riverfronts, we are reconnecting communities to their natural heritage, sparking new economic opportunities, and creating spaces that everyone can enjoy," according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
In a ceremony attended by local leaders, Governor DeWine marked the beginning of the Portsmouth Riverfront Park Project, which promises to upgrade the area's engagement with the river. Planned upgrades include a redesigned Alexandra Point Park with an overlook that promises scenic views and a riverwalk trail network. The project, initiated in May 2024, has awarded a combined $204 million to 12 counties, with the aim of expanding access to local waterways and revitalizing historic riverfront downtowns. Governor DeWine told the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this initiative not only represents a beautification effort but serves as a fulcrum for economic growth and rediscovery of local environmental heritage.
A unique addition to the state's efforts to preserve and enhance Ohio's waterways is the launch of the new "Queen of Clean," a beautification barge designed to tidy up the Ohio River. The custom-built, 30-foot vessel is equipped with a hydraulic crane to remove debris and trash. Financed by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District with support from the H2Ohio Rivers program, the barge is a collaborative initiative that Mike Finley, President of the Board of Directors for the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District, believes could radically shift community perceptions of waterways and boost recreation and tourism. "This boat will be able to assist in large-scale clean-up projects for years to come. Keeping the Ohio River clean and clear of litter is critical for preserving our natural resources for future generations," Governor DeWine said in a statement obtained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The H2Ohio initiative, expanded by Governor DeWine in 2023, has a broad focus, addressing various water concerns, from reducing algal blooms to improving access to clean drinking water. ODNR Director Mary Mertz spoke to the comprehensive approach of H2Ohio, highlighting the utility of the new barge in both water quality improvement and habitat enhancement. "This boat not only addresses the water quality of the river, by removing all different types of litter, but it will improve habitat and recreation on and along the river too," she stated via the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, underscoring the initiative's commitment to fostering safer ecosystems for human activities and wildlife. The H2Ohio program continues its multifaceted mission to benefit Ohio’s waters enormously, employing scientific data to underpin its approaches toward a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
