Ohio Governor Signs Ohio River Commission Bill Into Law

A new Ohio law calls for a nine-member Ohio River Commission to direct economic development toward the river and serve as a liaison between government and industry.

Senate Bill 54, which Gov. Mike Dewine signed into law on January 2, creates the commission, to be chaired by the state director of development or his or her designee and include members from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as well as six appointed members who are state residents or designees of businesses licensed or registered within the state.

“The appointed members may represent private industry associated or affiliated with marine cargo terminal operations on the Ohio River and private industry possessing experience in marine cargo terminal operations or travel and tourism on the Ohio River,” the legislation states.

Appointments are to be made within 60 days, and terms are for four years.

Eric Thomas, executive director of the Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA), said the Ohio River Coalition of Ohio, a loosely organized group of businesses and people associated with the river, began meeting in May 2019 with the idea of creating this type of commission.

Thomas said it was important to the group to have an agency within government that had as its responsibility “the interests of the Ohio River, and to help promote the river as a driver of commerce.”

Additionally, he said, the idea was for a commission that could bring that industry perspective to government to help promote it from an economic development standpoint, helping to drive more commerce to the river.

CORBA will host a panel discussion on the formation of the Ohio River Commission at the organization’s annual winter meeting, which is set for 3 to 5:30 p.m. February 13 at BB Riverboats. CORBA members and their guests may attend for free. There is a $25 fee at the door for others.

According to the text of the legislation as enacted, the commission is empowered to develop a master plan for Ohio river infrastructure and transportation projects, with input from public or private planning organizations.

The commission may also administer development funds and seek, support and assist Ohio River industry in utilization of available grants, loans and other finance mechanisms in support of Ohio River projects.

The legislation also gives power to the commission for the following functions.

• Coordinate with port authorities, private port operators, transportation planning organizations, government and agricultural, recreational and tourism entities
• Collect, track and maintain statistical information and data regarding commerce on the Ohio River; and ensure monitoring of policies, programs and priorities pertaining to the development and operation of marine cargo terminals and travel and tourism on the Ohio River
• Evaluate policies, programs and priorities to offset the continued decline of coal production and consumption within the Ohio River Basin and promote prosperity in the Appalachian region of the state
• Represent the state’s interests in forums pertaining to economic development, marine cargo terminals and travel and tourism on the Ohio River and its tributaries

State Rep. Justin Pizzuli (R-Scioto County) was among those who praised the legislation. In a news release, he said, “The Ohio River is an invaluable asset to my community and the state as a whole. I’m confident this commission will protect and maximize its benefit to all Ohioans.”