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H2Ohio initiative would protect water quality across the state

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced an H2Ohio water quality initiative as part of his proposed budget.

He says the initiative would allow investments in targeted, long-term solutions to ensure safe and clean water across the state.

A $900 million H2Ohio Fund would be used to protect Ohio’s water quality over 10 years.

The fund would be used for land-based management programs, water-based restoration programs, and science, research and measurement.

The Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association and the Ohio Soybean Association support the initiative.

In a joint statement, the groups say the initiative encourages best practices including cover crops, buffer strips, and precision technology that will help farmers keep nutrients in the soil where they belong.

Ohio Soybean Association President Scott Metzger says farmers want to be part of the solution and are already working to protect waterways. He adds that funding will help accelerate the adoption of these practices.

Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association President Jon Miller says they don’t have to choose between the health of Lake Erie and the viability of farms and the initiative will help them work together to achieve both.