Nov. 14, 2019 – Earlier today, Ohio Governor Mike Dewine announced his administration’s implementation plan for the $172 million H2Ohio fund. The program will invest in long-term solutions to prevent harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie and clean water throughout Ohio.
In reaction to the Governor’s announcement, Alliance for the Great Lakes Policy Director Crystal Davis made the following statement:
“We applaud the Governor’s commitment to finding opportunities to build in accountability to the H2Ohio implementation plan. With this significant investment of taxpayer dollars, we need to be sure the programs lead to measurable clean water outcomes for Ohio’s waterways. We are encouraged by the inclusion of certification of agricultural producers to access the funding, yet ultimately the program is still voluntary. We look forward to working with the administration in future years to develop more stringent requirements for the program.
We also applaud the Governor’s designation of some H2Ohio funds for water infrastructure investment in disadvantaged communities. Ohio communities face significant costs to replace and upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure while maintaining health and environmental quality. As our recently released report found, water affordability of basic water and sewer services impacts Ohioans across the state in both urban and rural areas. This funding is a step in the right direction to help low-income families afford these basic services.”
For more information or to schedule an interview with Crystal Davis, contact Jennifer Caddick, (312) 445-9760 or jcaddick@greatlakes.org