Successful Senate Bill creates an Ohio River Commission

COLUMBIANA, CO.- January 29, 2025. We are pleased to announce that House Bill 469, which created the Ohio River Commission, was amended into Senate Bill 54 and has officially been signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on January 2, 2025.

Until now, there was no agency in the state of Ohio to develop or promote the Ohio River as a driver of economic development, travel and tourism. This new law will ensure that our state takes advantage of the Ohio River as both a recreational and economic asset.

The Ohio River Commissions first quest sets out to develop and promote economic development, marine cargo, terminal operations, and travel/tourism on the Ohio River and its tributaries. The commission will also develop a plan for the Ohio River infrastructure and transportation. They will coordinate with port authorities, local development district, and federal government agencies.

This passage is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our partners and stakeholders along the Ohio River from Columbiana County to Hamilton County who all worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The Core Ohio River working group includes; Robert Naylor, Mike Paprocki, Jefferson County, Bill Dingus Lawrence County, Jesse Roush Washington County, Taylor Abbott Monroe County, Eric Thomas Hamilton County, and Randy Lane ODOT.

We’d like to issue a special thanks to Representative Monica Robb Blasdel who was our biggest cheerleader and championed this mission a crossed the finish line along with Representative Don Jones District 95 and Senator Shane Wilkin District 17. Without the help of these key legislators this bill would not be possible.

Additionally, we’d like to recognize and thank all of the legislators who voted for the bill and understand it’s importance.